Linuxcare unveils strategy to serve global Linux community

Linuxcare, a San Francisco based startup, has outlined ambitious plans to enter the global market for enterprise and embedded Linux.

The company, which is currently porting Linux to Intel and non Intel platforms and provides technical support for Dell's Linux based systems around the world, has just secured $32.5 million in second round financing from such investors as Dell, Sun Microsystems and Oracle.

But it said it would soon reveal plans to work with a "multi-million dollar" partner to help it create a new division, which will focus on the up and coming embedded Linux market.

Part of the investment will also be spent on acquisitions to fund the firm's goals of buying The Puffin Group, a Canadian professional services firm that is porting Linux to Hewlett-Packard's range of Unix servers; Prosa, an Italian device driver producer; and Cheek Consultancy, whcih specialises in Linux network consultancy.

Fernand Sarrat, Linuxcare's president and chief executive, said: "Our vision aims to free corporate customers from a frustrating dependence on closed operating system vendors by providing comprehensive services for enterprise Linux environments. The elements - international reach, deep Linux expertise, and one source for all Linux technical services - will help customers regain control over their technology infrastructure."

Azim Jessani, the company's manager of executive projects, claimed that, unlike distributors such as Suse in Europe and Red Hat in the US, the company was in a pivotal position because it could provide services to companies around the world.The company was established in 1998 and has offices in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Japan and Australia.