EBIZ Launches Linux into Online Auction Arena

Linux-based computer system manufacturer EBIZ Enterprises, Inc. (OTC BB: EBIZE) and online auctioneer iDEAL International, Inc. announced a deal Thursday to offer Linux-related products to patrons of the DealDeal.com business-to-consumer (B2C) auction site.

The deal calls for the EBIZ e-commerce Web site, TheLinuxStore.com, to add computers, peripherals, software, books and “GeekGear” to the DealDeal.com merchandise lineup. The site offers a range of items from consumer electronics to sporting goods.

According to EBIZ founder and CEO Jeffrey Rassas, “TheLinuxStore being featured on DealDeal.com’s home page offers us great visibility. They receive over a half a million hits a day, allowing for a tremendous amount of exposure for Linux-based products and TheLinuxStore.com.”

The National Retail Federation has ranked DealDeal.com, one of some 80 auction sites maintained by iDEAL, one of the top 30 online retailers. The Salt Lake City, Utah-based iDEAL designs, implements, hosts, and operates branded online auctions for distributors, retailers, Web site operators and wholesalers.

Everything Linux

EBIZ re-designed and re-launched TheLinuxStore.com in November 1999. The site offers products from such Linux-based vendors as Alpha Processor, AMD, Applix, Caldera Systems, Compaq, Intel, Macmillan USA, O’Reilly Publishing and Red Hat.

“Our goal is to provide a meaningful comprehensive Linux destination on the Internet, dedicated to providing fast and convenient access to everything Linux-related — from products and services, to downloads, links, message boards, jobs and more,” stated Rassas.

“Prior to TheLinuxStore,” added Rassas, “if you wanted a Linux server, notebook PC, a Red Hat boxed set, a tape back-up, and download software, plus catch up on the latest Linux headline news and post questions on Linux message boards, you had to go to numerous different Web sites.”

The LinuxLab.com

The company recently launched TheLinuxLab.com to provide technical support to users of the open-source operating system. The site provides 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.

Collaboration and Support

In other Linux-related news, Andover.Net (Nasdaq: ANDN) — a company that runs a network of open-source and Linux-related Web sites — recently announced the acquisition of online Linux and open-source support site QuestionExchange.com.

QuestionExchange.com provides individual and corporate users with access to some 1,500 registered consultants. Customers collaborate with experts on technical solutions, and all transactions are stored in their entirety on a site-maintained database.

Andover.net also announced a new Linux and open-source project-related corporate services initiative this week. The program, to be maintained in conjunction with the company’s Freshmeat.net developer resource site, will offer such fee-based online services as application updates, documentation, project consulting and support provided by experts.

According to Andover.net president and CEO Bruce Twickler, the site will “use a collaborative support model over the Internet to extend service on thousands of products to thousands of corporations.”