VA Linux Systems to Provide Red Hat 7.0-Based Software On Servers; Software Includes Key Contributions from VA Linux Developers

Business Wire, Sept 25, 2000

Business Editors/Technology Writers

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2000

VA Linux Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: LNUX) today announced that the company plans to offer Red Hat 7.0-based software for ordering as a standard server or workstation software load in mid-October. Red Hat 7.0 is also available for download starting tomorrow via SourceForge's high-bandwidth mirror site (http://sourceforge.net/mirrors/), which also includes mirrors for other popular Linux-related software projects, such as the Linux kernel, Debian GNU/Linux, GNOME, KDE, Mozilla, SuSE Linux and XFree86.

VA Linux engineers expect to continue final qualification of Red Hat 7.0 for VA Linux systems over the coming weeks. VA Linux Systems optimizes the operating system and applications to improve performance on its servers and workstations, modifying and enhancing software packages where necessary, and supplements its systems with additional software packages for high-performance Internet and e-business applications.

For companies that want further customization of their operating system and applications, VA Linux offers the industry's first Build-to-Order Software configuration system, which enables customers to point, click, select and save the specific software components they want pre-installed at the factory and delivered on their servers--all via the Web. Red Hat 7.0-based software packages will also be available through BOSS[tm], VA Linux Systems' Build-to-Order Software Selector, later this fall.

Key Contributions of VA Linux Developers

VA Linux Systems employs many key contributors to the Linux kernel, operating system and related applications, including many software packages featured in Red Hat 7.0. Notable contributions from VA Linux developers featured in the latest release of Red Hat include the following software packages.

For enterprise IT departments:

-- Samba. Windows-compatible file and print server used in multinational
corporations and educational institutions worldwide. (Jeremy Allison, co-lead,
Gerald Carter, others)

-- NFS. Network file system. (David Higgen and H. J. Lu)

-- Ext2 file system. (Ted Ts'o)

-- RAID and SCSI drivers. (Leonard Zubkoff)

-- Linux Virtual Server. TCP and UDP service load-balancing in the Linux
kernel. (Simon Horman)

For workstation users:

-- XFree86 4.0. Graphical engine for Linux and UNIX. (David

Dawes, president of XFree86, Mark Vojkovich, others)

-- Direct Rending Infrastructure (DRI). Enhanced 3D support. (VA

Linux Professional Services Multimedia and Graphics

Engineering Practice, led by Daryll Strauss and including many

other developers such as Kevin Martin, Brian Paul, Allen Akin,

Alan Hourihane, and other members of the XFree86 team)

-- Enlightenment window manager. (Carsten "Raster" Haitzler and

Geoff "Mandrake" Harrison)

-- Eterm. (Michael Jennings)

-- USB support. Universal Serial Bus support. (Johannes Erdfelt)

-- PCMCIA. (David Hinds)

For developers:

-- Binutils and nfs-utils. (H. J. Lu)

Additional contributions from VA Linux developers include many other pieces of the Linux kernel, software packages and patches to Red Hat 7.0 during beta testing.

"Linux software is developed and supported by a vast community of Open Source developers that spans the globe," said Dr. Larry M. Augustin, president and CEO of VA Linux Systems. "At VA Linux, we encourage our engineers to author, maintain and contribute to Open Source software projects--from Linux device drivers to graphical user interfaces, from file system utilities to 3D animation support. We are firmly committed to Open Source development as a methodology for creating better software, faster."

About VA Linux Systems

VA Linux Systems is the world's Linux leader. The expert provider of Linux and Open Source solutions for the Web, VA Linux offers a single point of contact for highly customized Linux servers and storage -- featuring the industry's first Build-to-Order Software -- as well as professional consulting services and support. VA Linux Systems' mission is to make its customers successful through the use of Linux and Open Source -- whether they are e-businesses rapidly expanding their Internet infrastructures, or technology companies leveraging the power and methodology of Open Source software development. As part of its commitment to expanding the Open Source community, VA Linux Systems operates the Open Source Development Network (OSDN). A network of the leading Internet sites for Open Source development, distribution and discussion, OSDN includes SourceForge, Freshmeat.net, Slashdot and Linux.com. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Fremont, California with offices across North America and Europe, VA Linux is located on the Web at www.valinux.com.

Certain statements in this press release, including statements relating to future product release dates, product performance and results, 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, successful and timely qualification of Red Hat 7.0 on VA Linux servers and workstations; reliance on software developed by third parties; industry trends in Linux and Open Source; the company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the company's continued introduction of new products and enhancements to existing products; 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/.