Magic Software Enterprises has announced a limited version of its rapid application development technology, along with demo applications and e-mail support, to the Linux community. The version, which includes gateways to Informix and Oracle, is available from now to August 31.
Linux, developed in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, is a free, multi-user, multitasking, demand-paged virtual memory system incorporating most of the features found in modern-day Unix. From an initial user base of 100 "long-haired hackers", Linux today has more than 8 million users worldwide (or 6% of the server operating system market). It has emerged as the alternative to MicrosoftWindows NT, especially for deploying Web applications.
One impediment to Linux`s even wider acceptance, however, has been the absence of business applications developed for it.
Magic has several thousand Magic Solutions Providers worldwide who can port their applications to Linux. It can integrate existing data, applications and systems with new solutions designed to take advantage of emerging technologies.
"Several factors led to our decision to make this offer," says Jack Dunietz, CEO of Magic. "First, we wanted to give our Magic software houses the ability to develop on low-cost Linux machines. Second, we wanted to enable our solutions partners to provide solutions for the application-hungry Linux community. Finally, we wanted to empower Linux developers to grow the number of applications available for the platform, and to have a productive and proven environment for creating e-commerce applications that would help them gain business acceptance."
The version of Magic being used for Linux is the standard version of Magic 8.20 for SCO ODT 5, which supports Informix and Oracle. It has been tested with Red Hat version 5.1 and Red Hat version 5.2, the latest commercial versions of Linux. Full documentation is provided on the Magic 8.20 standard distribution CD, which is being distributed along with this special Magic version for Linux. In addition, limited e-mail support can be obtained through linux@magic-sw.com.
Magic is distributed in South Africa by MGX, a company in the MGX Holdings group.
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