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.