Expanded Reseller Program Offers Linux Users Increased Distribution and Support

Red Hat Accelerates Linux Growth by Creating New Authorized Reseller Program for VARs and System Builders

Research Triangle Park -

Red Hat, Inc. , the leading distributor of the Red Hat Linux operating system, today announced an extensive new Software and Support Program for value-added resellers and system builders. Through this new program, Red Hat will build an array of relationships with leading VARs and system builders, greatly expanding the distribution and support available to users of the Linux operating system, tools and applications.

Products available under the program for resale through VARs and system builders include the Official Red Hat Linux System Builder Edition (OEM) and The Official Red Hat Linux Comercial Server Edition (both OEM and stand-alone).

"These new products and channel programs answer enterprise customers' requests for support through channels that they know," said Bob Young, Chairman and CEO of Red Hat. "With the addition of these services, we are giving our authorized resellers the programs, services and products they need to build a thriving business around Red Hat Linux. By expanding our authorized reseller program Red Hat will help bring the many benefits of open source software to a rapidly growing user community."

The System Builder Edition is designed for resellers pre-installing the Official Red Hat Linux OS on server-class computers for enterprise-level accounts. The Commercial Server Edition-OEM is also pre-installed and provides the customer with 90 days of 24x7 post-installation telephone support, up to 3 incidents. Commercial Server Edition also comes as a stand-alone product, for customers who want technical support but does not need Red Hat Linux pre-installed. For this option, they receive 90 days of 24x7 technical support, up to 3 incidents, on pre- and post-installation issues. All products come with Official Red Hat Linux 5.2 software and documentation. For all of these products, post-installation support can be added or continued with the puchase of Red Hat's "Call Pack" Support Products, which range from per-incident packages to Platinum Support.

"Telephone support options for Linux have long been in demand by users. Now Red Hat is introducing corporate support products that offer 24x7 support for enterprise-wide, mission-critical applications," said Paul McNamara, Vice President of Strategic Relationships for Red Hat. "We will satisfy the demands of our users through these new programs."

All products will be available for Red Hat Authorized Resellers through Red Hat's distribution partners. For more information, contact authorized@redhat.com

Common with UNIX footnote

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

  • About Red Hat
  • Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to reliable and high-performing cloud, Linux, middleware, storage and virtualization technologies. Red Hat also offers award-winning support, training, and consulting services. As the connective hub in a global network of enterprises, partners, and open source communities, Red Hat helps create relevant, innovative technologies that liberate resources for growth and prepare customers for the future of IT. Learn more at http://www.redhat.com.



  • Forward-Looking Statements
  • Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: risks related to delays or reductions in information technology spending; the effects of industry consolidation; the ability of the Company to compete effectively; the integration of acquisitions and the ability to market successfully acquired technologies and products; uncertainty and adverse results in litigation and related settlements; the inability to adequately protect Company intellectual property and the potential for infringement or breach of license claims of or relating to third party intellectual property; the ability to deliver and stimulate demand for new products and technological innovations on a timely basis; risks related to data and information security vulnerabilities; ineffective management of, and control over, the Company’s growth and international operations; fluctuations in exchange rates; and changes in and a dependence on key personnel, as well as other factors contained in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (copies of which may be accessed through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov), including those found therein under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic and political conditions, governmental and public policy changes and the impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. 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 this press release.