Red Hat Updates Linux

Linux vendor and Wall Street sensation Red Hat, Inc. (Nasdaq: RHAT) has announced the launch of version 6.1 of its open-source operating system (OS) distribution. The updated release, which focuses on ease-of-use and installation features, is aimed at pushing business-level Linux adoption.

Red Hat Linux 6.1 will include Apache Web server support enhancements, the Star Office 5.1a office suite — now available through Sun Microsystems — 128-bit secure signature technology and Red Hat Update Agent, a feature that will allow customers to access software updates online. The new release also features graphic-based instructions to simplify the process of installation and the PXE 2.0 technology component of Wired for Management Baseline 2.0 for installing the software across a network.

“We expect that the improvements in installation, service, support and performance built into Red Hat Linux 6.1 make it an asset to enterprise networks,” commented Bob Young, CEO of Red Hat. “Red Hat Linux 6.1 combines the power, stability and flexibility of Linux-based open source operating systems with tools and services to handle critical business applications that ensure the peace of mind for corporate users.”

Magic, Linux and E-Commerce

Red Hat has entered into a developer partnership agrveement with Magic Software Enterprises (Nasdaq: MGIC). A feature of the agreement is the inclusion of the Magic Enterprise Server v.8.3 — the latest version of its Linux server for e-commerce — in the professional edition of Red Hat 6.1.

The Magic product will allow e-commerce developers who are working on other platforms to port their existing business solutions to Linux. This flexibility, according to Magic, could compel more e-commerce professionals to deploy Linux-based solutions for their online business operations.

Enterprise Reporting

Enterprise analysis and reporting provider Web Trends Corp. (Nasdaq: WEBT) will also be involved in the release of the professional edition of Red Hat 6.1 through the inclusion of a trial copy of its Enterprise Reporting Server for Linux.

The Enterprise Reporting Server is a real-time, Web traffic analysis solution designed specifically for high traffic sites running Linux. According to Paul McNamara, vice president of business development at Red Hat Software, “having (their) solution available for Red Hat Linux users responds to our customers needs and demands for enterprise applications.”

Using a multi-thread analysis engine to track Web site activity, the WebTrends server provides personalized reports by way of a consistent browser-based or Microsoft Word interface. Report tables and graphs are available to users, utilizing daily, weekly, monthly and annual summaries.

The Penguin Gets Down To Business

“Red Hat Linux 6.1 will be an attractive option to the businesses, Internet service providers, government agencies and universities that make up nearly three-fourths of our customer base,” said Michael Lambert, senior vice president of Dell’s enterprise systems group. “We plan to offer this OS on selected products throughout our entire product line, from notebooks to servers, in the months ahead.”

The Durham, North Carolina-based Linux solutions provider has developed strategic partner, distributor and reseller alliances with PC and server manufacturers, including Compaq, Dell, Gateway, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Silicon Graphics. Red Hat has also collaborated with Intel on PXE server support and optimizations for the Pentium III processor.

Available October 18th through Red Hat’s information and e-commerce site, the Red Hat 6.1 release will feature three boxed set editions, including standard, deluxe and professional.