Red Hat To Offer Extended Linux Training And Professional Certification Programmes With Compaq

Red Hat, Inc. (Nasdaq:RHAT), the leader in developing, deploying and managing open source solutions, announced that Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) will be offering its newly announced Accredited System Engineer (ASE) and Accredited Platform Integrator (API) level Linux certification programmes in conjunction with Red Hat's acclaimed RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) programme. The programmes will extend the scope of professional training opportunities available to Linux systems and software professionals and position them to take greater advantage of the expanding Linux marketplace.

"Compaq's new certification programmes demonstrate that it understands the increasingly important role that Linux is playing as businesses of all sizes integrate and migrate critical systems to the Linux OS," said Jasmine Huxtable-Wright, European training and business development manager, Red Hat. "Systems professionals with RHCE certifications are already in great demand; Compaq's new line of certifications enables ASE's and Linux professionals to optimise their knowledge base and qualifications to implement Red Hat Linux on Compaq servers."

"As Linux continues to build momentum as a commercially viable platform, there is a growing demand for industry professionals with a background and training in Linux systems," said Gary Campbell, vice president of enterprise server strategy for the office of the CTO, Compaq. "By aligning our ASE and API certification programmes with leading partners, such as Red Hat, Compaq is able to provide industry professionals the background and skills they need to help drive the further adoption of Linux enterprise solutions."

About the Compaq Accredited Professional programme

The Compaq Accredited Professional Programme is a worldwide certification programme with more than 50,000 Compaq Accredited Professionals worldwide currently. The Compaq Accredited Professional programme is available to Compaq partners, end-users and Compaq employees to validate their technical expertise on Compaq platforms supporting Linux. Currently there are two levels of certifications:

Accredited Platform Integrator (API)
The Accredited Platform Integrator designation is designed to provide a certification of basic networking, system integration and support skills for system engineers and support staff with Compaq customers, Reseller and Service authorised partners, and Compaq Presales and Services field organisations. The content is focused around the integration of an operating system with a hardware platform.

Accredited Systems Engineer (ASE)
The Accredited Systems Engineer designation is designed to provide a certification of advanced networking, systems integration and support skills for systems engineering specialists with Compaq customers, Reseller and Service authorised partners, and Compaq Presales and Services organisations. The content is focused around advanced integration of an operating system and hardware platform.

RHCE is now listed as one of the credentials required for ASE certification.

For more information on Compaq's Linux certification programmes visit their Website at: http://www.compaq.com/certification/na

About the RHCE certification programme:

RHCEs must pass a performance-based exam that tests actual competencies in Linux systems and network administration on live computer equipment. Established in January of 1999, the RHCE programme is the oldest Red Hat Linux certification curriculum and the only performance-based certification programme for any OS.

Over 16,000 people worldwide have taken an official Red Hat training course in the RHCE track. More than 6,700 students have taken the RHCE Exam, and 3,500 have received RHCE certification.

For more information on the RHCE programme, course descriptions and facility locations, please see /training/

About Red Hat Inc

Red Hat is the leader in developing, deploying and managing solutions built on the benefits of an open source platform. The open source platform includes the Red Hat Linux operating system for mainframes, servers, workstations and embedded devices, GNUPro tools for developers, database, e-Commerce, secure web server, high availability server and run-time solutions like eCos and RedBoot. For this platform, Red Hat provides end to end professional services including Professional Consulting, Engineering services, Enterprise Support services, and Global Learning services. Red Hat Network is the premier Internet based service that simplifies and integrates the deployment and management of these offers.

More information about Red Hat is available at http://www.europe.redhat.com. Red Hat is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C.and has offices worldwide. For investor enquiries, contact Gabriel Szulik at Red Hat, 919-547-0012, x439.

Red Hat Europe was established in July 1999 with its European headquarters based in Surrey, United Kingdom and offices throughout Europe. Red Hat Linux is sold and supported through a number of major distribution and industry partners throughout Europe and from /shop

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