Pc linux os

Gateway Inks Pact with Red Hat to Provide Linux OS on Custom Manufactured Servers - Company Business and Marketing

Gateway Tuesday announced availability of the Linux 6.0 operating system (OS) from Red Hat, Inc. as an option on models in the company's ALR Series line of servers. The agreement with Red Hat makes the nation's 3rd largest PC manufacturer(1) an authorized reseller of one of the leading Linux-based OS software and service providers.

"This agreement with Red Hat extends our ability to bring customized solutions to our business clients," said Ron Smith, vice president, marketing, Gateway Business. "Adding the option of offering the leading commercial Linux operating system is a natural result of our commitment to client choice. We see diverse demands for technology solutions in the commercial market every day. This is one more example of our ability to provide solid solutions."

Linux is an "open source" operating system first released in October 1991. Known for its stability and reliability, Linux systems have gained increasing popularity for certain technical uses and are the OS of choice for many Webmasters. Because the source code for the system is freely available, IT professionals can also adapt Linux for customized purposes with relative ease.

Gateway Working with Red Hat, Inc.

Red Hat commercially packages Red Hat Linux code and offers end-users broad support and training for the product. As an authorized reseller, Gateway will acquire licensing and factory-install Red Hat Linux on qualified ALR server platforms for $229 each. Technical support for end-users is provided on a fee-basis directly by Red Hat.

"We're pleased that Gateway has started offering Red Hat Linux as part of its popular server solutions," said Teresa Spangler, business unit leader, sales, at Red Hat, Inc. "Gateway customers can now easily choose the benefits of open source solutions and leverage Red Hat Linux's power, stability and support for SMP in their demanding business environments."

Customized Products for Business Clients

The Linux offering illustrates Gateway's broader flexibility to provide customized services and products through its Custom Integration Services (CIS) activity. Gateway will preinstall hardware and software and perform other personalization services for clients through CIS, including hardware and software not normally available from Gateway. This service enables a client's IT department to focus on broader strategic issues and avoid devoting time to installing software or making alterations to PCs after they arrive. CIS services include system customization, asset tagging and labeling, software and hard drive image loading and hardware integration.

Gateway, a Fortune 250 company founded in 1985, focuses on building lifelong relationships with consumers and businesses through complete technology personalization. Gateway ranked number one in U.S. consumer PC revenue in the second quarter of 19992. Our employees worldwide serve clients with services and built-to-order computers that consistently win top awards from leading industry publications. Gateway had total global revenue of $7.5 billion in 1998 and shipped 3.54 million systems. FMI: www.gateway.com.

1. According to International Data Corporation Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker.

2. According to GartnerGroup/Dataquest US PC Quarterly statistics.