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Subject: 
To: kgill@brodeur.com
From: kgill@brodeur.com
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 11:56:35 -0500


Katherine Gill
Brodeur Worldwide for IBM
617-587-2080
kgill@brodeur.com

Contact: Alise McNeill
IBM Corporation
alisem@us.ibm.com
919-254-6262


        IBM LAUNCHES LINUX EDUATIONAL PROGRAM FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS

     IBM's New Ready, Set, Linux! Program is Available Across the U.S.

Somers, NY - - March 30, 2001 - - To help respond to the booming demand for
Linux*-trained professionals, IBM (NYSE:  IBM) is launching the new Ready,
Set, Linux! initiative for Business Partners interested in supporting
e-business on Linux, the fastest growing server operating platform
available today (IDC).

IBM's Ready, Set, Linux! program will be available in cities across the
United States, with the kick-off session taking place in Dallas, Texas on
April 2.

This new comprehensive educational series provides Business Partners with
in-depth Linux training and includes:  technical sessions, certification
guidelines, incentives, technical support programs and an overview of IBM's
e-business solutions.

The three-phased Ready, Set, Linux! program features:
   Ready: education on market opportunity and how to get started with IBM;
   Set: a two-day, hands-on technical training on Linux and e-business
   solutions featuring IBM eServers and software;
   and Linux!: an ongoing enablement and support initiative featuring
   educational roadmaps leading to certification and access to key
   PartnerWorld benefits for partners delivering e-business solutions for
   Linux.

IBM Business Partners interested in receiving Linux certification, can take
advantage of IBM's newly expanded "You Pass, We Pay" certification program,
which provides reimbursement for Linux certifications.  All IBM Business
Partners that have eligible IBM certifications can be reimbursed for
tuition and test expenses up to $3000, when they pass the Linux
Professional Institute (LPI) Test 101 or achieve Red Hat Linux
certification.

In addition IBM or non-IBM Business Partners who already have LPI or Red
Hat Linux certification may be eligible for reimbursements for tuition and
test expenses when becoming certified for IBM software.

IDC anticipates that Linux will remain the fastest growing server operating
system through 2004, with a compound annual growth rate of 28 percent from
2000 to 2004.  According to IDC, the market opportunity for software on
Linux is expected to grow even faster.

IBM Linux-focused certifications offered include, LPI Certification, and
Red Hat Certification (including Red Hat Linux Essentials, Red Hat Linux
System Administration I,II, Red Hat Linux Networking and Security
Administration and the RHCE Certification Lab Exam).

For more information and a class schedule visit IBM Linux Lens of
PartnerWorld Web site (http://www.ibm.com/partnerworld/linux).

About IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of
leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM Software offers the widest
range of applications, middleware and operating systems for all types of
computing platforms, allowing customers to take full advantage of the new
era of e-business. The fastest way to get more information about IBM
software or solutions for Linux is through the Internet at:
http://www.ibm.com/linux.

*Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds.