Account Links: Cart | Register | Log In

Skip to content

LVM Insurance Chooses Red Hat Enterprise Linux as Strategic Platform

Start of the migration: 8,500 Clients with Red Hat Desktop

Munich/Münster, German—April 04, 2005—Red Hat, Inc. (Nasdaq: RHAT), the world's leading provider of open source solutions to the enterprise, and insurance company LVM Versicherungen today announced that they have concluded a contract for the migration of 8,500 clients to Red Hat Desktop. Red Hat software will replace the self-configured Linux variant, which has been used as the operating system at LVM since 2000. It will run on network computers and laptops at company headquarters in Münster as well as at LVM agencies nationwide. LVM has decided on Red Hat Enterprise Linux as a strategic platform for the entire company.

"We looked for a long-term, stable platform for our desktops," explains Werner Schmidt, CIO of LVM Versicherungen. "At the start in 2000 there was no other way for us than to use our own solution. Recently we have looked for an economically viable alternative for the continuous maintenance and update of our desktops. Red Hat Desktop provides us with a system, which is always up to date and delivers excellent stability and security. The whole approach of Red Hat to provide desktops in combination with its Red Hat Network management server enormously eases our work and clearly sets it apart from its competitors. The deployment of Red Hat software avoids any kind of vendor-lock-in and means we still benefit from the support of the Linux community. We want the freedom of Linux with the professional support of a commercial vendor."

Along with a mail client, an image viewer, and browser-based Intranet access, the desktops use a Java-based application system developed by LVM, which covers almost all the areas of the users' everyday work: Word-processing, contract preparation, customer relationship management (CRM), claims settlement, and much more besides. The decision by LVM to opt for Red Hat Enterprise Linux results from a successful pilot project. With the introduction of the managed desktops, Red Hat can fulfil LVM's expectations, who regard the effective management of the systems as a major plus point. Among other advantages, the use of Red Hat Network will automate the updating of the systems.

"We are extremely pleased about the deal with LVM", says Werner Knoblich, Director of EMEA at Red Hat. "It emphasises the momentum behind Linux. In this case, it was not simply a costs appraisal that tipped the balance, but rather the strategic interests on the part of the customer. LVM's decision also shows that Linux is ready for use on corporate desktops. We are looking forward to developing and extending our business relationship with a major player in the German insurance industry."

About Red Hat, Inc.

Red Hat, the world's leading open source and Linux provider, is headquartered in Raleigh, NC with satellite offices spanning the globe. Red Hat is leading Linux and open source solutions into the mainstream by making high quality, low cost technology accessible. Red Hat provides operating system software along with middleware, applications, and management solutions. Red Hat also offers support, training and consulting services to its customers worldwide and through top-tier partnerships. Red Hat's Open Source strategy offers customers a long-term plan for building infrastructures that are based on and leverage open source technologies with focus on security and ease of management. Learn more.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company, including statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the factors discussed in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC (a copy of which may be accessed through the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov), reliance upon strategic relationships, management of growth, the possibility of undetected software errors, the risks of economic downturns generally, and in Red Hat's industry specifically, the risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures and the viability of the Internet. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release.

LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. RED HAT is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.