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IBM and Partners Begin March Across Europe with Linux Desktop

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Vienna, Austria-based VDEL has created SoftwareUnited, a program based on IBM and Red Hat OEM programs, which for the first time delivers to ISVs a complete Microsoft-free platform for their applications.

The driving force behind the program is DesktopUnited, a platform that includes Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), IBM software and VDEL applications, as part of a global drive to deliver Microsoft-free desktop solutions.

"...Almost everybody realizes it is time to change old habits and move to better desktop solutions," said Milan Prohaska, VDEL. "That is why more and more people are moving quickly to IBM software on Linux," he said.  "Choosing platforms such as DesktopUnited provides a more secure, open and functional desktop solution at less then half the cost of the equivalent Microsoft offering. Especially in these challenging times, it will be hard for any responsible IT manager not to at least consider such alternatives."

The first product on the DesktopUnited platform was VDEL's OpenReferent solution, a Lotus Notes and Symphony package that sits on top of RHEL, which has caused a great demand in Eastern Europe, especially with local administrations looking for secure, cost effective solutions.

"The sheer annual cost of licensing Microsoft Windows and Office on the desktop plus all the hidden extra additional costs such as anti-virus packages, have made us take a good look at our needs rather then just blindly to continue to go with the flow." said Mr. Zuyev, vice governor of Tver region, Russia. "Once we realized what impressive functional benefits combined with enormous cost savings can be provided by OpenReferent, we decided to immediately start a project of revamping the entire software infrastructure in our administration, and not only the desktops. Furthermore, we have come to the conclusion that with such a move, we will be able to continue to use the existing PCs-while a move to Vista, as an example, would simply make most of them obsolete."

On the server side, SoftwareUnited is offering ServeUnited, a platform for servers that is based on Linux and includes IBM software. ServeUnited helps ISVs to compete in the fragmented market by thinking only about pitching their solution. ServeUnited provides all required subscriptions and licenses that customers need, as well as technical support by phone or the Internet.

Customers of DesktopUnited and ServeUnited are guaranteed by VDEL that all the required licenses and subscriptions are included, plus telephone, 30 days installation support and Web support for the duration of the subscription. It will reassure customers that the ISV application is part of a great price and performance solution.

"Customers will clearly benefit from an open-standards based alternative to the desktop environment. VDEL's new initiative, based on IBM open collaboration client solution and Linux, provides them with a proven way to reduce costs and break their dependency on a single vendor," said Inna Kuznetsova, director, IBM Linux Strategy.

On top of authorizing a new VDEL multi-lingual support center this year with special focus on desktop needs, Red Hat will also support the Fedora Project for Eastern Europe, which will be the base for organizing the community throughout the territory.

The initial focus of SoftwareUnited will be to recruit high quality ISVs as soon as possible in order to provide an offering for every vertical industry. By signing up to SoftwareUnited, ISVs will receive a full development kits from VDEL that will enable them to develop applications based on a VDEL software bundle including IBM Software such as Lotus, Tivoli, Informix, and DB2 on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). SoftwareUnited will certify these applications and use the existing channel to promote these applications throughout the world. Supported IBM products include a range of Tivoli security, compliance and systems management software, database and data server offerings as well as Lotus Notes and Lotus Symphony.

About the Partners

IBM

IBM is working with its clients to develop new business designs and technical architectures that allow their businesses the flexibility required to compete in this new landscape. The business is also adjusting its footprint toward emerging geographies, tapping their double-digit growth, providing the technology infrastructure they need, and taking advantage of the talent pools they provide to better service the company's clients.

Red Hat

Founded in 1993, Red Hat is the premier Linux and open source provider. Rated the number one enterprise software vendor for value in a CIO Insight Magazine study for four consecutive years, Red Hat is the most recognized Linux brand in the world. We serve global enterprises through technology and services made possible by the open source model. Solutions include Red Hat Enterprise Linux, middleware, and a broad range of management and services: consulting, 24x7 support, Red Hat Network. Red Hat's global training program operates worldwide and features RHCE, the global standard Linux certification.

VDEL

VDEL is a services distribution company headquartered in Vienna, Austria, with subsidiaries in Moscow, Russia and Limassol, Cyprus. Starting with 1996, VDEL has been delivering services in the territory of Central- and Eastern Europe as well as Russia which extends over 12 different time zones, 23 countries and 32 languages. Distribution of services includes infrastructure-related services, product configuration and installation support, remote and on-site implementation, products translation and localisation, updates, upgrades, education and hands-on training, examination, marketing and sales support, and other related services which supports our local value-added partner network to help customers successfully implement products.

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