Johannesburg, 18 Mar 2003
With demand for Linux, the open source operating system, growing across Africa, HP - the IT solutions and services provider - has announced a series of new Linux-based products and services for companies across southern Africa.
The Linux operating system was initially developed in 1991 by Finnish student, Linus Torvalds. As a global player today, its source code is freely available and is used for a wide variety of purposes - including networking, software development and as a platform for end-user applications.
"Linux is often considered a viable low-cost alternative to other more expensive operating systems by companies across southern Africa," explains Andre Hartley, the software solutions specialist for southern Africa at HP.
"Due to its functionality and availability, it has become popular around the world as a vast number of software programmers take the source code and adapt it to meet their individual needs."
HP`s basic line up of products for Linux is based around hardware platforms that run the operating system - including the HP ProLiant servers which, according to IDC`s Quarterly Server Tracker, lead the market in Linux server unit shipments with almost 26% global market share. The company also offers software solutions that are optimised for Linux. This latest announcement sees some significant additions to that line-up.
"We`re introducing integrated product lines in hardware platforms, enterprise security, management and high-availability software (as well as comprehensive and proven services) for Linux. We`re also continuing to work with our network of partners and the local open source community to offer the tools needed to develop comprehensive Linux-based solutions," says Hartley.
The enhancements to HP`s Linux portfolio include:
* Disaster-tolerant solution for Linux: combining HP MC/Serviceguard 2.0 software and the HP StorageWorks XP disk array, this provides disaster recovery and business continuity across wide area Linux networks.
* HP Servicecontrol Manager 3.0: with a Web-enabled central point of control, this software application delivers access to key system administration tools for fault monitoring, configuration and workload management of Linux-based servers.
* Expanded support for Compaq Evo desktop PCs running Linux.
* Porting assessment express service: this allows companies running Unix (including Sun Solaris and IBM AIX) to easily migrate their systems to Linux for a pre-set fee.
* HP Secure OS software: designed for Linux version 2.0, this software helps businesses to secure their Linux environments using a wealth of pre-integrated applications.
From a services standpoint, HP has offerings that help businesses maximise the potential of their Linux systems. These, says Hartley, include startup services for HP`s Intel Itanium 2-based servers, optimised factory integration, onsite and consulting services, Linux cluster training and accelerated Linux training for IT professionals experienced in Unix and high-availability services.
More information about HP`s Linux initiatives can be found at www.hp.com/linux. For more information on HP`s solutions and activities in Africa, surf to www.hp.com/africa.
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