Red Hat Secures Financial Backing from Intel and Netscape, Valuing Linux Momentum

In a significant move for the open-source Linux operating system, Red Hat Software Inc., a leading Linux distributor, has secured financial backing from Intel Corp. and Netscape Communications Corp. This partnership highlights Linux's growing momentum and acceptance within the high-tech industry. Red Hat, known for its Linux distribution and support services, has attracted a large user base, with an estimated 8 million to 9 million users worldwide. The company's unique approach of sharing source code over the Internet has facilitated collaboration and improvement of the Linux system.

Key Takeaways:

• Red Hat Software Inc. has secured financial backing from Intel Corp. and Netscape Communications Corp., two prominent names in the high-tech industry.
• Red Hat's Linux distribution has gained significant traction, with an estimated 8 million to 9 million users worldwide.
• The company's approach of sharing source code over the Internet allows for collaboration and improvement of the Linux system, a feature not available in Microsoft Windows.
• Red Hat Chief Executive Bob Young emphasized that recognition from leading players in the industry, rather than financial backing, is crucial for Linux's continued growth.
• This partnership indicates the increasing acceptance and momentum of Linux within the high-tech sector.
• Red Hat's commercial version of Linux is sold for $50, while the system can be distributed freely over the Internet.

Statistics:

• Estimated 8 million to 9 million users of Linux worldwide.
• Red Hat's commercial version of Linux is sold for $50.
• Linux system can be distributed freely over the Internet.
• Red Hat's partnership with Intel and Netscape indicates the growing acceptance and momentum of Linux within the high-tech sector.

Sources:

• "Upstart vies with Windows" by The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (date not specified).