Red Hat Europe, the leader in developing, deploying and managing open source solutions, and 3G LAB, the multimedia software developer for next generation mobile communications, today announced that they are jointly designing and developing the first open source, real-time operating system for next generation 2.5G (GPRS) and 3G (UMTS) mobile devices. The solution - eCos for 2.5/3G mobile devices - will be based on Red Hat's open source embedded real-time operating system eCos (embedded configurable operating system).
eCos for 2.5/3G mobile devices will enable mobile network operators and mobile device manufacturers to create, deploy and deliver next generation mobile communications solutions faster, and at a significantly lower cost, than through the use of existing proprietary solutions. This platform adds value over existing proprietary operating systems because of the rapid pace of innovation and development stemming from the open source community, compared to the often restricted developer access available in a closed, proprietary, environment.
"To drive the emerging next generation communications market, both mobile network operators and mobile device manufacturers will require software platforms that support standards while delivering cutting-edge innovation," said Michael Tiemann, CTO, Red Hat. "We are excited to be working with 3G LAB to use open source to help create a new platform for developing, deploying, and managing Post-PC applications."
"We are witnessing the transition from the mobile phone to the mobile multimedia device, a much more compelling device for consumers than today's WAP phones." said Steve Ives, CEO, 3G LAB. "If mobile operators and mobile phone manufacturers are going to be able to customise these devices deeply to user needs, there needs to be much more openness, flexibility and modularity in the software platform. eCos for 2.5/3G mobile devices is a step towards this goal, providing the world's first open source RTOS capable of powering a mobile multimedia device."
The Red Hat and 3G LAB partnership will deliver hardware, software, test environments, support and new Internet-based services, providing manufacturers with a stable, reliable and cost effective base on which to develop mobile devices. The new platform will consist of hardware and software, supported by 3G LAB's consultancy services and test environment in Cambridge, UK. The new Internet services are intended to be delivered via the Red Hat Network at a future date. The partnership will help provide consumer and corporate users with a reliable platform that not only supports next generation audio visual applications, but will also support next generation high data rate networks.
About 3G LAB
3G LAB was formed in March 2000 and develops multimedia software for the next generation of mobile networks and devices based on the UMTS worldwide standard. With both product development and consultancy arms to the business, 3G LAB's customers include mobile network operators, mobile content providers and mobile device manufacturers. 3G LAB is a significant contributor to open source projects in the mobile Internet space.
Visit http://www.3GLAB.com for further information.
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 www.redhat.com. Red Hat is headquartered in
Research Triangle Park, N.C.and has offices worldwide. For investor inquiries, 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 http://www.europe.redhat.com/shop
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release that are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, management's assessment of the market for embedded devices, constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, Red Hat's ability to service the embedded device market, reliance upon strategic relationships, Red Hat's dependence upon an open source business model, reliance upon independent third-party Linux developers, management of growth, expansion of Red Hat's business focus and operations, the possibility of undetected software errors, the enforceability of the GNU General Public License and other licenses under which Red Hat's products are developed and licensed, the scarcity of Linux-based applications, the risks of economic downturns generally, and in Red Hat's industry specifically, the risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures, the viability of the Internet, and other risks detailed in Red Hat's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be accessed through the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov
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