Compaq plans Linux server bundle

Compaq has announced plans to bundle Red Hat Linux with its range of Proliant servers.

Release 7.0 of Red Hat's version of the open source operating system will be pre-installed on Compaq's Proliant DL360 and Proliant ML330 servers. The software will also be integrated with the hardware manufacturer's management tools.

The bundle also includes free 90-day hardware and operating system support as well as configuration and set-up support from Compaq Global Services. The package will initially be available in the US, but there are plans to expand it worldwide at a later date.

Compaq and Red Hat last year agreed to develop interoperability between Compaq Tru64 Unix and Red Hat Linux, and Compaq recently added Linux driver support to its AlphaServers and Proliant 400, 1600 and 1850 server systems.

Joyce Becknell, an analyst at researcher the Aberdeen Group, said yesterday's announcement "highlights Compaq's commitment to a strategic relationship with Red Hat and gives Linux additional credibility in the eyes of those investigating Linux solutions".

Other features in Red Hat Linux 7.0 include the 2.4 kernel, USB support for mouse and keyboard, OpenSSL with 138bit encryption for secure web communications, and a customisable Gnome desktop and Sawfish window manager.