Corel brings Windows apps to Linux

Software maker Corel said it plans to bundle Graphon connectivity software into its desktop version of the Linux operating system to allow users to run Windows applications.

The enhanced operating system, which will be available this summer, uses Graphon's technology for downloading Windows compatible software programs through an Internet connection over the network.

For example, a cluster of PCs running on Corel Linux operating system could run native Linux applications and Windows applications from a single Windows based server shared by the Linux cluster.

"With the integration of Graphon Bridges into the Corel Linux operating system it will be easy to enjoy the benefits and high reliability of Linux while having access to the most widely used Windows applications," said Michael Cowpland, president and chief executive officer of Corel.

He also said this will make it possible for companies to mix Linux and Windows desktops seamlessly.

Users will be able to remotely access most Windows applications by dialling to a server or connecting to the Internet, Microsoft Windows applications, Corel Windows applications and most other Windows software that reside on a Windows NT server, without having to license any additional third party software.

Corel launched its version of the Linux operating system for desktop computers at Comdex in November. The company is aiming this at the average user, not the usual, more technically sophisticated Linux user. Corel bases the operating system on the non profit Debian version.

"We are the only company licensing all the pieces together in one package," said a Corel spokesperson.

Corel users of Windows applications will be able to use Corel Linux operating system with many applications that were not previously there, such as Wordperfect and QuaddroPro spreadsheet, she said.

A little more than a year ago, Corel took a 20 per cent stake in Graphon when it sold the company its jBridge software which Corel had developed as Windows technology. Corel has also licensed Bitstream software that will allow Linux to display Postscript and Truetype fonts. And a new driver for S3's latest video card, which uses IBM's Fire GL chip, will be bundled with Corel Linux.