IBM Puts Enterprise Power Behind Linux

Announces New Products, Open Source Contribution to Accelerate Linux Development

NEW YORK - 02 Feb 2000: -- IBM today announced a new thin client computer and voice recognition software for Linux(b), as well as new contributions to open source development. The announcements come on the heels of IBM's decision two weeks ago to embrace Linux on all of its server hardware product lines and to contribute more of its own software and technology to the Linux development effort.

"Open standards are key to the next phase of the e-business evolution," said Irving Wladawsky-Berger, IBM vice president of technology and strategy, Enterprise Systems Group. "Linux is moving into the computing mainstream at the same pace the Internet did a few years ago and will fuel the growth of e-business."

The announcements made at the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo include:

- ViaVoice for Linux, the first available commercial speech-recognition technology for Linux
- IBM Network Stations running Linux, merging the benefits of open-source and thin-client computing
- Contributions of critical skills and technology to the open source community for the development of an enterprise-class journaled file system that protects the integrity of data during power outages and other system failures
- An application developer's kit, consisting of industry leading software, to accelerate development of small business applications for Linux
- A Linux beta version of NetObjects TopPage, an industry-leading Web authoring and Web page design tool for all skill levels

Network Station for Linux

IBM Network Station thin clients can now run Linux applications. Customers will be able to create a highly configurable and customized computing desktop environment while realizing the benefits of thin-client, server-based computing, such as fast and flexible application deployment and low cost of ownership. IBM is posting information on its web site (http://www.pc.ibm.com/ww/networkstation) so that customers and software vendors can easily implement Linux on the Network Station Series 2200 and 2800 thin clients. IBM will also provide a forum so that customers can exchange information regarding Linux on the Network Station family.

The Network Station 2200 and 2800 with Linux complements and will expand the family of Linux-certified clients and servers including ThinkPad(a) notebook PCs, Intellistation(a) professional workstations and Netfinity(a) servers, enabling customers to standardize their business on the open source Linux operating system.

First Speech Recognition Technology for Linux

IBM announced the first available speech-recognition technology for the Linux operating environment. ViaVoice technology for Linux is available for Caldera Systems, Inc.(c), Red Hat Inc.(c) and SuSE(c) distributions of Linux. ViaVoice allows Linux developers to voice-enable their Linux applications, ranging from desktop and server systems to personal digital assistants. A TurboLinux version will be available later this year. Fee-based licenses are available to companies that wish to redistribute ViaVoice technology. Licenses for individuals and educational institutions are available free of charge.

Information on ViaVoice is available at http://www.software.ibm.com/speech.

Journaled File System Technology for Linux

IBM is contributing skills and resources, including state-of-the-art technology, to assist the open source community in developing an enterprise-class journaling file system for Linux. The source code for IBM's Journaled File System technology is now available for download from the Open Source and Linux zones in the IBM developerWorks website (http://www.ibm.com/developer/linux). Designed for high-throughput server environments, this technology offers the open source community such functionality as journaling, which enables users to keep track of their data more efficiently and quickly retrieve it -- intact -- if a system fails. This kind of system stability is key to running high-performance e-business file servers.

IBM will support development efforts currently underway in the open source community by dedicating a team of software engineers to work full-time adding journaling file system functionality to Linux.

NetObjects TopPage for Linux

IBM will now offer a Linux beta version of its advanced web authoring software, NetObjects TopPage. TopPage is an easy-to-use program for beginners and experts alike to build professional-quality Web pages without programming experience. It includes the necessary tools for creating a Web site, and a step-by-step multimedia tutorial for designing and managing compelling Internet and intranet sites and Web pages. The beta version of TopPage is available for download at http://www.jp.ibm.com/esbu/E/toppage/index.html.

New Linux Development Initiative

IBM will offer development versions of its industry-leading software at no charge to commercial software developers to pave the way for a new class of Linux applications -- those specifically designed for small business. IBM is teaming with Caldera Systems, Inc. to distribute the IBM application developer's kit, which offers messaging, collaboration and dynamic web application serving capabilities; a powerful relational database for managing information; a web application server for tasks such as web publishing; IBM's Java technology and Java tools for application development.

About IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. The fastest way to get more information about IBM is through the IBM home page at http://www.ibm.com.

(a) Indicates trademark or registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
(b) Indicates trademark or registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
(c) Indicates trademark or registered trademark of respective companies.

IBM Incentives Bolster Growth of Linux Applications for Small Businesses

Application Developer's Kit offers industry-leading software from IBM and Lotus

SOMERS, N.Y - 02 Feb 2000: -- IBM today announced a program that paves the way for a new class of Linux e-business applications -- those specifically designed for small businesses.

Distributed by IBM and Caldera Systems, Inc., each kit includes messaging, collaboration and dynamic web application serving capabilities; a powerful relational database for managing information; a web application server for tasks such as web publishing; IBM's Java technology and Java tools for application development.

Core components of the application developer's kit are:
- IBM DB2* Universal Database for Linux
- IBM WebSphere* Application Server, Standard Edition, for Linux
- Lotus Domino* for Linux
- IBM Developer Kit for Linux, Java Technology Edition
- IBM VisualAge* for Java for Linux

Caldera Systems will offer the developer's kit with versions of its OpenLinux** operating system to independent software vendors during a 120-day pilot development program. Optionally, developers of applications for any sized business can register for the free kit via IBM and Caldera web sites, http://www.ibm.com/linux and http://www.calderasystems.com. The kit available from the IBM site is supported on both Caldera OpenLinux and Red Hat Linux** operating systems. IBM intends to offer similar programs through other Linux distributors during 2000.

Qualified applications developed or ported to Linux during the pilot program will be featured on selected high-traffic IBM Web sites. These include the IBM Linux home page (http://www.ibm.com/linux); developerWorks* (http://www.ibm.com/developerworks), a free on-line resource for tools, code, tips, news, tutorials, and other information for developers; and PartnerWorld for Developer's Global Solutions Directory (http://www.software.ibm.com/solutions/isv), an on-line catalog of applications, tools and services developed using IBM technologies.

To qualify for these promotions, applications must use at least two IBM software technologies -- DB2 Universal Database, Lotus Domino, WebSphere Application Server, Standard Edition, or IBM's Java technology -- as their application infrastructures. The best applications also will be eligible to be showcased in IBM booths at major Linux conferences and trade shows in 2000.

Developers can port, test and benchmark their e-business applications free of charge at IBM Solutions Partnership Centers in eight cities across the Asia, Europe and the U.S. Through these resource centers, developers can tap into IBM's e-business expertise for technical support and service to help them get their products to market faster.

"Our research shows a tremendous market need for Linux applications," said Dick Sullivan, vice president, Integrated Solutions Marketing, IBM Software. "This program will help lower development costs and bolster the supply of new e-business applications for Linux. It's a great opportunity for developers, especially those targeting small businesses, to get a foothold in the hot Linux market."

"We want to support both corporate and independent application developers, and this initiative with IBM allows us to do just that," said Benoy Tamang, vice president of Marketing, Caldera Systems, Inc. "Giving our partners easy access to key development tools enables them to take products to market much faster and more efficiently."

About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. The fastest way to get more information about IBM is through the IBM home page at http://www.ibm.com.