Throwing even further weight behind the maverick Unix-based operating system as part of its multi-OS strategy, HP has brought a number of products and services to market that are optimised for Linux.
The strategy, which aims to provide 'always-on` computing across strategic operating systems, covers HP-UX, 64-bit Windows 2000 and Linux. And these new Linux announcements address several areas: management and availability software; ISVs and developers; services; support and certification; workstations; and storage.
Kevin Barnard, business development manager at HP Enterprise Computing Solutions (ECS) South Africa, says HP is expanding the Linux distributions and Linux-based mission-critical environments the company supports. "The overall intention is to offer customers HP`s always-on infrastructure in the operating system of their choice."
From a software standpoint HP is porting several products that help manage Linux in mission-critical environments. "HP is looking specifically at TopTools agents for business desktops and HP NetServer systems," explains Barnard.
This builds on HP OpenView`s support for Linux agents in VantagePoint Operations, Network Node Manager and OmniBack, as well as the availability of WebQoS for Linux and the planned availability of MC/ServiceGuard high-availability software early next year.
For independent software vendors developers HP has been working to develop a Linux runtime environment that allows Linux software binaries to run on HP-UX for IA-64 systems. This, explains Barnard, helps developers by eliminating the need for recompiling when moving from Linux development to deployment. "This adds to the recent announcement of Linux API support on HP-UX for PA-RISC systems - and the availability of Linux on the HP 64-bit PA-RISC architecture [at www.parisc-linux.org]," he says.
Other initiatives include an expanded Linux ISV programme which offers software developers access to IA-64 systems through its solution partner programme; and an HP- and Intel-released kit for IA-64 software development on IA-32 systems (available at www.software.hp.com/ia64linux).
"Services are also key to the continued success of Linux," says Barnard, "and HP will deliver packaged services that support the Linux high-availability functionality release scheduled for this spring. Global installation, integration and multivendor network services for Linux are being added to complement HP`s current Linux support and education offerings."
The addition of Linux certification for Caldera, SuSE, TurboLinux and Debian to HP NetServer systems cements HP`s position as a manufacturer with good support for Linux across the entire PC server platform.
"Linuxcare is performing the testing and certification, and HP continues to support Red Hat, providing customers with choices for Linux on HP NetServer systems," confirms Barnard. Linuxcare also certifies HP`s business desktop PC platforms -- the HP Vectra PC, HP Brio PC, HP Kayak PC Workstation, and e-PC -- for Red Hat, Caldera, SuSE and TurboLinux.
"In addition, HP will be bundle the Kayak XM600 and XU800 PC Workstation models with TurboLinux Workstation 6.0," adds Barnard.
Finally, from a storage perspective, the HP SureStore E Disk Array XP256 and XP512 support Red Hat Linux in direct and SAN connect configurations.
"With multi-terabyte scalability, a broad storage software portfolio and high-availability features, the XP family offers Linux customers a new level of storage support," says Barnard. "HP`s tape drives are also certified as Linux-compatible. Ultrium, an open industry tape standard that is scheduled to launch this spring, will be Linux compatible."
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