Fujitsu and Caldera Sign Strategic Linux Agreement to Distribute OpenLinux 2.3 — And Future Versions — On Fujitsu Servers

Business Wire, Sept 29, 1999

OREM, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 29, 1999--

Hardware OEM Leader Chooses OpenLinux 2.3 to Distribute

On GranPower Server Series and Agrees to Joint

Promotion/Development

Caldera Systems, Inc., the "Linux for Business" leader, today announced that it has formed a strategic relationship with Fujitsu Ltd. Fujitsu will distribute OpenLinux 2.3 (and future versions) on many of its servers, including the GranPower series.

Fujitsu Ltd.'s agreement with Caldera marks the corporation's first and strongest commitment to a Linux distribution, underscoring an even stronger commitment to Linux in Japan and the Pacific Rim.

Fujitsu is a leading provider of comprehensive information technology and network solutions for the global marketplace. Comprising over 500 group companies and affiliates worldwide -- including ICL, Amdahl and DMR Consulting Group -- Fujitsu had consolidated revenues of 5.24 trillion yen ($43.3 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 31, 1999.

With world-class hardware and software technology in computers, telecommunications and microelectronics, and a corps of 55,000 systems and services experts around the world, Fujitsu is uniquely positioned to harness the power of Linux to help its customers succeed.

OpenLinux 2.3 is the latest release of Caldera System's award-winning OpenLinux distribution with its standard-setting LIZARD point-and-click, graphical install -- the industry's first. OpenLinux 2.3 has remote, mass-installation capabilities and is Y2K tested and certified to operate through the millennium changeover date and beyond.

"Fujitsu is one of the industry's premier providers of enterprise information technology solutions worldwide," said Ransom Love, president and CEO of Caldera Systems, Inc. "Their promotion and distribution of OpenLinux and Caldera's leading Linux education courses and service options, demonstrates their continued leadership in the Internet server and appliance markets.

"Fujitsu is a leader in providing total business solutions -- not only to Japan -- but the world."

"We are happy to welcome Caldera Systems into the Japanese market," said Kanzunari Morimoto, general manager of Fujitsu's Software Business Promotion Group.

"We began seriously watching Linux a year ago and in that time we've seen it grow from a relatively unknown technology to a business OS -- especially in the server area. The benefits of lower development costs, combined with unprecedented stability and customization really garnered a lot of attention and support from our customers. Unlike other Linux distributions, Caldera's focus has always been `Linux for Business' -- and that is our focus. In addition to welcoming Caldera to the Fujitsu business arena, we are looking forward to our joint collaboration in the creation and expansion of Linux business solutions throughout Japan and the world."

The Caldera/Fujitsu partnership includes not only the distribution of OpenLinux 2.3 on its GranPower series of servers, but the beginning of a strategic relationship to increase Linux business initiatives in Japan.

Fujitsu and Caldera will also work together to offer a complete range of Internet appliances and devices. Fujitsu's globalization infrastructure will facilitate the deployment and promotion of OpenLinux in Asia and eventually worldwide.

Linux Education

Fujitsu Learning Media (FLM) is part of the 4th largest IT training organization in the world and will work with Caldera Systems to deploy Caldera Systems Linux Curriculum throughout Japan. This includes the implementation and promotion of Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certification standards as taught in Caldera's Authorized Linux Education Centers (ALECs) worldwide.

ALEC courses focus on distribution-neutral Linux training, including the installation and integration of Linux and standard LPI exam preparation and certification, providing the most useful, hands-on Linux training available in the industry.

Joint Initiatives

Both companies have agreed to work together to provide a full range of support options to business customers and channel partners. Fujitsu will provide "pre" and "post" sale Internet server and appliance support, plus front line technical support to itself and other partners. Caldera Systems will provide Linux training to Fujitsu's support group and act as third-tier support to them.

Caldera and Fujitsu are established leaders in providing channel programs, services and solutions and will continue to work together to provide integrated Fujitsu products and solutions to Fujitsu resellers and others.

To increase Linux business acceptance in Japan, both companies will work to provide a comprehensive hardware certification program for OpenLinux products on Fujitsu systems. Both companies will be announcing future marketing initiatives to meet the Linux needs of global business partners.

System Requirements

OpenLinux 2.3 includes remote management capabilities and integrates into existing systems running on Intel-based PCs 386 and up -- including laptops -- with at least 16 MB of RAM and 350 MB hard disk.