Red Hat Announces Red Hat Linux 6.1, Latest Version of Leading Open Source Server Operating System

Now Enhanced with Streamlined Installation, Unique Online Software Updates and New Systems Manageability Features

DURHAM -

Red Hat ®, Inc. (NASDAQ: RHAT), a leading provider of open source solutions, today announced the release of a suite of Official Red Hat Linux 6.1 products. The latest release of the award-winning Red Hat Linux operating system incorporates easy installation, software update information and access, and improved system management capabilities. These new features enable users to harness the power of open source software in the demanding enterprise and Internet applications that run the day-to-day business of companies worldwide.

Red Hat Linux 6.1 extends Red Hat's commitment to customer service and the strength of [true] open source development by incorporating improvements that make it easier to install, maintain and manage Linux-based computing environments. Users can move quickly through installation with graphic-based directions, choosing from GNOME, KDE, server or custom interface settings, with seamless integration of software RAID configurations to safeguard critical data and application availability. Additionally, the PXE 2.0 technology (part of the Wired for Management Baseline 2.0) enables Red Hat Linux 6.1 installations to be done across the network, with no need for local media.

Red Hat Linux 6.1 also provides customers with fast access to the latest software technology from Red Hat through the Red Hat Update Agent, an online customer service application for retrieval and management of software updates. Red Hat has combined the RPM package management technology with the Internet capabilities of Red Hat Linux to seamlessly enable customers to take advantage of the continuous technology improvements offered from the open software development community.

"We expect that the improvements in installation, service, support and performance built into Red Hat Linux 6.1 make it an asset to enterprise networks," said Bob Young, CEO of Red Hat. "Red Hat Linux 6.1 combines the power, stability and flexibility of Linux-based open source operating systems with tools and services to handle critical business applications that ensure the peace of mind for corporate users."

Red Hat Linux 6.1 applies many advances in the 2.2.12 Linux kernel and the collaboration of the open source community, including improvements for high availability Internet server clustering and new Web or email-based configuration support for the Apache Web server.

"Open source continues to make great advances and delivers innovation to enterprise users worldwide. We see rapid advances in Linux-based operating systems as a result of the open source development model," said Young.

"Red Hat Linux 6.1 will be an attractive option to the businesses, Internet service providers, government agencies and universities that make up nearly three-fourths of our customer base." said Michael Lambert, senior vice president, Dell Enterprise Systems Group. "We plan to offer this OS on selected products throughout our entire product line, from notebooks to servers, in the months ahead."

Additional features of Red Hat Linux 6.1 Include:

  • The first distributed English version of Sun Microsystems' office suite Star Office 5.1a, a complete office platform featuring word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, graphics, web publishing, scheduling, database and management applications.
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  • Full LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) integration, enabling administrators of large networks to manage distributed computing by authenticating and maintaining information about users and network services.
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  • 128-bit secure signature technology, Red Hat public key verification of the source of Red Hat Linux 6.1 updates. Available in the US and Canada only.
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Through collaboration with Intel Corporation, Red Hat has also included PXE server support and remote management enhancements through support for the Wired for Management Baseline 2.0 specification as part of Red Hat Linux 6.1.

"Intel continues to work closely with Red Hat and the open source community to make Linux run best on Intel Architecture," said Michael Fister, Vice President and General Manager of Intel's Enterprise Server Group. "Red Hat's new release of the Linux operating system has been optimized for the Pentium III Xeon processor and this combination offers customers the performance that is required in today's Internet economy."

Pricing and Availability
The Official Red Hat Linux 6.1 is available in a variety of packages to enable different users to take advantage of open source technology. All boxed packages include an Installation Manual and Reference Guide. Red Hat Linux 6.1 can also be downloaded from ftp://ftp.redhat.com. Available in the U.S. and at international sites, the boxed versions can be purchased in select retail outlets starting October 18 and can be ordered directly from http://www.redhat.com.

  • Standard, a package including two operating system CDs, one StarOffice 5.1a CD, 90 days of email support and 30 days of priority online access--for $29.95.
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  • Deluxe, the best way to try Red Hat Linux with two operating system CDs, one StarOffice 5.1a CD, two workstation application CDs, 30 days of phone support, 90 days of email support and 180 days of priority online access--for $79.95.
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  • Professional, the package for serious business users with two operating system CDs, two workstation application CDs, DB2, three server application CDs, one secure server CD, 30 days of phone support, 90 days of email support, 30 days of Apache configuration support and 180 days of priority online access--for $149.95. Available in the US and Canada only.
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Corporations and ISPs can purchase additional support packages from Red Hat's Service Center. Several packages are tailored for specific customer needs, ranging from per-incident packages to full-blown, 24x7 unlimited support. Red Hat services and training are available worldwide.

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: http://www.redhat.com

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Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor 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 plans and objectives for future operations, and management's assessment of market factors, constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, 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, 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.

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.

  • 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.