Motorola Computer Group Ships Caldera Systems' Newest OpenLinux Version; MCG Reinforces Linux Strategy by Shipping SLX Series, emS Series with Fast, Easy OpenLinux 2.3 - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Sept 20, 1999

Reinforcing its recently announced Linux strategy, Motorola Computer Group (MCG) Monday announced that its Linux-based embedded computing platforms now ship with the newest version of Caldera Systems' award-winning OpenLinux operating system.

As a result of MCG's collaboration with Caldera Systems, the SLX Series of network appliances for Internet, intranet and extranet networking applications and the emS Series for telecommunications, imaging and industrial automation applications are now available with OpenLinux 2.3, a fast, easy-to-use and Year 2000 Ready version of Linux.

"When shipped with our best-in-class embedded computing platforms, this version of OpenLinux--an already robust and reliable product--will allow us to provide an ideal combination of hardware and software needed to help our OEM customers increase performance, speed time to market and lower development costs," said Wayne Sennett, corporate vice president and general manager, MCG.

"We've been working with Caldera Systems for some time now to assure that our products have the synergy necessary to provide these benefits, and we're looking forward to continuing this `Linux for Business' collaboration as we bring high-availability CompactPCI embedded platforms to the Linux solution set."

According to Ransom Love, president and chief executive officer of Caldera Systems, "We received feedback from many sources to help us enhance our current product.

"Our collaboration with MCG on the embedded computing front has enabled us to provide MCG and its OEM customers with a type of operating system necessary to quickly and easily build embedded Linux applications for telecommunications, industrial automation and imaging markets."

Linux offers MCG's OEM customers some distinct advantages when they have a need for a robust UNIX-like operating environment. Besides many of its technical features, Linux has very low licensing costs and freely available source code. This helps reduce OEM's development costs and speed time to market.

OpenLinux 2.3 delivers a fast, easy and virtually "hands free" operating system that, according to Caldera Systems, is Y2K-tested and certified by KeyLabs Inc. to operate through the millennium changeover date and beyond.

The SLX Series is the first in a new family of Linux-based embedded platforms for Internet networking applications such as web access, web security, web caching, and virtual private networks (VPNs).

This series is targeted at telecom OEMs building networking solutions for the growing number of Internet service providers (ISPs), government and business organizations, workgroups and telecommuters requiring cost-effective access to the Internet. It enables OEMs who are providing these networking solutions to deliver a low-cost, easy-to-use, reliable and secure Internet connectivity.

The emS-ATXI is the first in MCG's new emS Series of Intel x86 embedded server platforms integrating the Linux open operating system. An ATX form factor embedded system, the emS-ATXI can be used to power a variety of telecommunications, Internet, imaging and industrial automation server applications, including e-mail, file systems, application development tools and workstation connectivity.

This highly scalable and customizable platform -- with an industrial 19" rackmount chassis -- enables OEMs to deliver cost-effective systems designed to help meet end-user specifications.

Pricing & Availability Both the SLX Series and the emS-ATXI are shipping with OpenLinux 2.3 today. The single-unit U.S. list price for the SLX Series start at $1,395; the emS-ATXI U.S. list price ranges from $1,879 to $2,900.

For more information on MCG's Linux-based products, please visit MCG's Linux website at http://www.mcg.mot.com/linux

For more information on Caldera Systems' OpenLinux 2.3, please go to Caldera Systems' website at http://www.calderasystems.com

Motorola Computer Group (MCG), headquartered in Tempe, is the leading supplier of embedded computing platforms to OEMs for use in telecommunications, imaging and industrial automation applications worldwide. MCG provides best-in-class solutions by combining its advanced design engineering capability with responsive, world-class manufacturing operations.

Additional information about MCG is available on the World Wide Web at www.mcg.mot.com

MCG is part of Motorola's Integrated Electronics Systems Sector (IESS), a division of Motorola Inc. IESS is a leading provider of electronic systems for customers who integrate them into their products. The five businesses of IESS deliver high value embedded electronic solutions that enable customers to differentiate their products and lead their markets.

Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion.