EBIZ Launches Support Site for Linux Users

After failing in its attempt to acquire the JustLinux.com open-source community site, EBIZ Enterprises, Inc. (OTC BB: EBIZ) has launched TheLinuxLab.com to provide technical support to users of the open-source operating system.

The independent Linux certification authority and open source support provider will complement TheLinuxStore.com, an EBIZ-owned e-commerce site that sells Linux-based computer systems and related merchandise.

Recreating the Support Model

“Just as the open-source movement is revolutionizing the computer industry, the open support model at TheLinuxLab.com removes the barriers between information needed and the knowledge-base that exists in the community, and will help revolutionize the existing traditional technical support model,” commented EBIZ president Stephen Herman.

TheLinuxLab.com will provide users with access to online support on Linux-related technical issues from almost 2,000 registered international experts. Additionally, the site will maintain a database of solutions to technical problems and other information.

The availability of support was identified as an early critical issue for Linux in order to be able to move into larger business and consumer markets.

“This concept empowers experts from all over the world to market their skills and be placed in direct communication to the users who can benefit most from their specific knowledge and expertise,” added Herman.

Transmeta-Based Internet Appliance

In other Linux-related news, Transmeta Corp., one of the high tech industry’s most secretive and talked about companies, announced this week that it has formed a strategic partnership with S3, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIII) to design and produce a line of Linux-based Internet appliances.

The new S3 appliances will be powered by Transmeta’s software-driven Crusoe processor, and will be targeted at users who are looking for an x86 compatible, Linux-based Internet computing solution. The new product announcement came as Transmeta emerged from a four and half year period of secrecy to announce the Crusoe chip.

Code Morphing and Crusoe

Departing from traditional microprocessor design, Transmeta is utilizing software to implement what were previously hardware-assigned functions. The company claims that its architecture — which is based on Code Morphing software that provides the compatibility with the underlying hardware engine — will improve performance and minimize power requirements.

Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, was hired by Transmeta as a product designer for the Crusoe project, which is based on the open-source platform.