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Technology Stocks : Red Hat Software Inc. (Nasdq-RHAT) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: HubTech who wrote (135)	7/19/1999 11:05:00 PM
From: Mohan Marette	Respond to of 1794

Red Hat to add news to Linux site By Stephen Shankland Staff Writer, CNET News.com July 19, 1999, 5:45 p.m. PT Red Hat plans to create a full-fledged Linux news service as part of its effort to increase market appeal and potential profitability. Judging by the Linux seller's job openings and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company intends to set up a news site based in San Francisco, complete with an editor-in-chief and a staff of journalists writing news, features, tutorials, and other original content. The portal effort would compete with other prominent Linux-related Web sites such as Slashdot and VA Linux Systems's Linux.com site. Red Hat declined to comment on any news site plans, because the company is in a "quiet period" prior to its initial public offering. The transformation of Red Hat from the dominant seller of the "open-source" Linux operating system into a software developer/media company would be a key part of its effort to expand its sources of revenue. With the site, Red Hat would be able to seek advertising and sponsorship deals..... news.com

To: HubTech who wrote (135)	7/20/1999 2:52:00 AM
From: Lee Nelson	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 1794

Has anyone actually seen Red Hat provide "support, training, or consulting"? Linux is so straightforward, and their's so much informal help around, that I'm not sure that very many companies will be willing to pay for support. Especially not when every computer geek and his sister are becoming linux consultants. I don't think a lack of support is what is holding back the spread of Linux. I think it's inertia, legacy systems, the lack of device drivers for unusual hardware, and the lack of _reliable_ ports of well known software. For example, the state of Java on Linux is very iffy. Some technologies are almost not available at all, e.g. GIS (mapping) packages and libraries. All these things are coming together though, and I'm sure they'll be solved in the next two years. I just don't understand how Red Hat stands to benefit. Another thing that bugs me is that they have just begun the transition from a small lean tech company run by engineers to a larger, profit focused, corporate entity. Many companies don't handle this transition well; the result is frequently that the best people leave and mediocrity reigns. Of course the hype will probably drive this stock through the roof, so there's probably not much to worry about in the short term. Someone please tell me why I'm wrong. I'm a fan of the company, and love their product, so I'd like to see them succeed. Regards, Lee Nelson

To: HubTech who wrote (135)	7/26/1999 1:32:00 AM
From: Mohan Marette	Respond to of 1794

IBM adding Linux support options By Stephen Shankland Staff Writer, CNET News.com July 23, 1999, 7:30 p.m. PT The computing industry's most prestigious manufacturers continue to adapt their services to accommodate the Linux operating system, so-called open source software that doesn't belong to anyone. On Tuesday, IBM will announce forthcoming technical support for Linux in 165 countries, marking another stage of acceptance. Big Blue's step is a bit late, however, as the giant earlier said its global Linux support would be in place by June. Server companies are currently experimenting with providing technical advice and support for Linux, a tricky feat because the highly customizable software can vary from user to user. Growing support options are an indication of Linux's gradual incorporation into mainstream computing companies, not to mention installation at businesses in many industries. The software has sometimes been shunned because executives worry that no technical support is available to remedy problems. Among the industry leaders, Hewlett-Packard handles hardware issues, but passes support calls to its Linux partner, developer Red Hat. Additionally, HP only offers support in the United States and Europe. Dell entrusts LinuxCare to handle technical support, even though the version of Linux it installs is from Red Hat. Compaq is working on a support partnership with Red Hat and should have its technical support set up in coming weeks, the company said. Currently, Big Blue offers free telephone or email technical support for 90 days after a customer's first call for Red Hat and Caldera Systems editions of Linux. By August, IBM will add SuSE and TurboLinux into its support plans, the company said. IBM provides the first levels of technical support, but sends the tough calls to the original sellers of the software. IBM has 150 consultants who can, for a fee, help customers with Linux decisions, IBM said. IBM's global services division has been a growing part of its business, and several other companies are trying to emulate its success. Server manufacturers also are offering hardware--server computers and workstations--that accommodates Linux. Several now offer to sell the software pre-installed.