Concentric Pulls Cobalt Into Linux Circle

This week, Internet business solutions provider Concentric Network Corp. (Nasdaq: CNCX) debuted an open-source Linux solution developed in collaboration with server appliance developer Cobalt Networks, Inc..

The new dedicated hosting solution — ConcentricHost Managed Server Linux — will utilize Cobalt’s RaQ 2 server appliances to bring small-to- medium-sized Internet-centric businesses a range of services, including 24/7 server and network monitoring, maintenance, management and reporting capabilities. The product employs a Web-based user interface for site management.

“Our Web hosting services are flexible and scalable, and designed for growing small and medium-sized businesses,” commented Connie DeWitt, vice president of marketing for Concentric’s network applications services division. “Now we are able to deliver a new class of dedicated server, that is both cost-effective and very easy-to-use, allowing small and medium-sized companies to fully leverage the power of the Internet.” Pricing for the service will start at $225 (US$) per month.

The Penguin’s Cobalt Period

Cobalt’s RaQ 2 is a single rack unit — pre-configured with the Apache Web server, the Sendmail program and the Linux OS — that offers Internet services with remote administration capabilities. According to the company, the customizable open-source server appliance product provides e-mail, FTP and Web publishing “at a fraction of the cost of traditional Unix, Windows NT, or even ‘build-it-yourself’ alternatives.”

“Working with Concentric to deliver dedicated Web hosting solutions is an ideal partnership between two companies that identify the importance of reliable, affordable, and scalable solutions,” said Stephen DeWitt, president and CEO of Cobalt. “ConcentricHost Managed Server Linux is sure to expand Concentric’s offerings and services helping them further differentiate themselves in the market.”

Cobalt Networks, Inc. is a developer of server appliances that enable organizations to cost effectively establish an online presence. The Mountain View, California-based company, founded in 1996, offers the Cobalt Cache, NASRaQ, Qube and RaQ products.

About Concentric

Concentric Network Corp. offers small-to-medium-sized companies e-commerce services, high-speed DSL access and Web hosting. The company provides larger enterprises data center services, dedicated Web hosting and virtual private networks (VPNs).

The San Jose, California-based company recently acquired Web hosting firm 9 Net Avenue, Inc. According to a company statement, Concentric expects to become “the second-largest Web hosting provider with over 188,000 registered domains and over 104,000 hosted Web sites.”

Open-Source Free Prague

Nuremberg, Germany-based SuSE GmbH recently expanded operations into eastern Europe by opening offices in Prague. “Conditions are extremely favorable,” observed Roland Dyroff, SuSE’s executive director. “The IT market in the Czech Republic, as well as in other parts of eastern Europe, is in a state of dynamic development and offers young and flexible companies, above all, optimal opportunities for rapid growth.”

SuSE is a software vendor that recently introduced version 6.2 of its Linux OS distribution, which includes StarOffice 5.1, Sendmail 8.9.3, the Apache Web server, the KDE 1.1.1 and GNOME 1.0 desktop environments and kernel 2.2.10.