VA Linux Forms Strategic Alliance With MySQL; MySQL Becomes Completely Open Source and Hosts Project on VA Linux's SourceForge

Business Wire, June 28, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

STOCKHOLM, Sweden and SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 28, 2000

MySQL and VA Linux Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: LNUX) today announced a strategic alliance to help accelerate the use and development of the MySQL database, one of the most popular databases for Linux. As part of this initiative, MySQL has been re-licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) from the Free Software Foundation, the same license used by the Linux operating system kernel. Programmers around the world can now freely distribute modifications and enhancements to the latest beta and future releases of MySQL source code.

"I've been a big fan of MySQL for years, so it's cool to see them take this step," said Rob "CmdrTaco" Malda, founder of Slashdot.org, the largest news/community site for Open Source developers.

In order to make its software more easily accessible and broaden developer participation, MySQL will host the project on SourceForge(TM), the world's largest Open Source development center, growing steadily with over 5,800 software projects and over 37,000 registered users. In addition, VA Linux has made an investment in MySQL and will work with MySQL on advanced support and service programs.

"We have always considered ourselves committed members of the Open Source and Free Software communities," said Monty Widenius, project leader on MySQL. "Moving to the GPL and hosting development on SourceForge were the best ways we could think of to re-affirm that commitment. We encourage both the Open Source community and industry to get involved in this project as we work to increase the viability of MySQL in the enterprise."

"All of the VA Linux and Andover.Net web sites--including Slashdot.org, Freshmeat.net, SourceForge and Linux.com--have been built on MySQL," said Dr. Larry M. Augustin, president and CEO of VA Linux Systems. "We are honored to host the development of MySQL on SourceForge, and we look forward to offering in-depth support of MySQL through our alliance with the project team. By moving to the GPL, MySQL will increase its distribution base; we look forward to being able to ship MySQL with our systems."

About VA Linux Systems

VA Linux Systems is the expert provider of Linux and Open Source solutions for the Web. Founded in 1993, VA Linux provides a single point of contact for optimized Linux systems; Open Source software; and world-class professional services and support. VA Linux helps ASPs, e-businesses and Internet hosting providers build out their Internet infrastructure to meet the challenges of rapid growth. As part of its commitment to expanding the Open Source community, VA Linux Systems owns and operates a network of the leading Linux destinations on the Internet, including SourceForge, the world's largest Open Source development center, as well as Freshmeat.net, Slashdot.org and Linux.com. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., VA Linux is located on the Web at www.valinux.com.

About MySQL

MySQL is the leading Linux database, used by 43% of users polled on Linux.com in February 2000. MySQL was first released to the public in November 1996 and has always been available with source code. MySQL has proven to be a fast and reliable database solution for a growing number of companies such as SGI, ValueClick, Nortel/Insight, Tucows.com, Cisco and many more. The MySQL webpage can be reached at www.mysql.com.

Certain statements in this press release, including statements about future growth of MySQL and SourceForge, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different from expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of MySQL and VA Linux to attract and retain qualified personnel to perform software development; industry trends related to Open Source and Linux; and other risks detailed in VA Linux's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be accessed through the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov/.> Note: VA Linux Systems, "Total Linux Coverage" and SourceForge are trademarks of VA Linux Systems, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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