LVM Insurance Chooses Red Hat Enterprise Linux as Strategic Platform; Start of the Migration: 8,500 Clients with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 Desktop

Business Wire, April 4, 2005

MUNICH, Germany & MUNSTER, Germany -- Red Hat, Inc. (NASDAQ: RHAT), the world's leading provider of open source solutions to the enterprise, and insurance company LVM Versicherungen today announced that they have concluded a contract for the migration of 8,500 clients to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 Desktop. Red Hat software will replace the self-configured Linux variant, which has been used as the operating system at LVM since 2000. It will run on network computers and laptops at company headquarters in Munster as well as at LVM agencies nationwide. LVM has decided on Red Hat Enterprise Linux as a strategic platform for the entire company. E[acute accent]"We looked for a long-term, stable platform for our desktops," explains Werner Schmidt, CIO of LVM Versicherungen. "At the start in 2000 there was no other way for us than to use our own solution. Recently we have looked for an economically viable alternative for the continuous maintenance and update of our desktops. Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop provides us with a system, which is always up to date and delivers excellent stability and security. The whole approach of Red Hat to provide desktops in combination with its Red Hat Network management server enormously eases our work and clearly sets it apart from its competitors. The deployment of Red Hat software avoids any kind of vendor-lock-in and means we still benefit from the support of the Linux community. We want the freedom of Linux with the professional support of a commercial vendor."

E[acute accent]Along with a mail client, an image viewer, and browser-based Intranet access, the desktops use a Java-based application system developed by LVM, which covers almost all the areas of the users' everyday work: Word-processing, contract preparation, customer relationship management (CRM), claims settlement, and much more besides. The decision by LVM to opt for Red Hat Enterprise Linux results from a successful pilot project. With the introduction of the managed desktops, Red Hat can fulfill LVM's expectations, who regard the effective management of the systems as a major plus point. Among other advantages, the use of Red Hat Network will automate the updating of the systems.

E[acute accent]"We are extremely pleased about the deal with LVM", says Werner Knoblich, Director of EMEA at Red Hat. "It emphasizes the momentum behind Linux. In this case, it was not simply a costs appraisal that tipped the balance, but rather the strategic interests on the part of the customer. LVM's decision also shows that Linux is ready for use on corporate desktops. We are looking forward to developing and extending our business relationship with a major player in the German insurance industry."

E[acute accent]About Red Hat, Inc.

E[acute accent]Red Hat, the world's leading open source and Linux provider, is headquartered in Raleigh, NC with satellite offices spanning the globe. Red Hat is leading Linux and open source solutions into the mainstream by making high quality, low cost technology accessible. Red Hat provides operating system software along with middleware, applications, and management solutions. Red Hat also offers support, training and consulting services to its customers worldwide and through top-tier partnerships. Red Hat's Open Source strategy offers customers a long-term plan for building infrastructures that are based on and leverage open source technologies with focus on security and ease of management. Learn more: http://www.europe.redhat.com

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