Red Hat Software Secures Financial Backing from Intel and Netscape

Red Hat Software Inc. has garnered significant attention in the high-tech industry after securing financial backing from two major players, Intel Corp. and Netscape Communications Corp. This development has sparked concerns among Microsoft and its rivals, with some accusing the software giant of trying to protect its monopoly in desktop operating systems. The partnership between Red Hat and the two tech giants represents a potential new rift in the alliance between Microsoft and Intel.

Key Takeaways:

• Red Hat Software, a challenger to Microsoft's Windows operating system, has secured financial backing from Intel Corp. and Netscape Communications Corp.
• The minority stakes acquired by Intel and Netscape have drawn the attention of Microsoft and its rivals, who accuse the software giant of trying to stifle competition.
• Red Hat's software offers a unique service to Linux customers, allowing them to share source code over the Internet and make improvements more easily.
• Industry analyst Clay Ryder notes that while Linux is a true competitor to Windows and Windows NT, it remains a relatively small player in the market.
• At the time of the announcement, Linux had approximately 1/10th the number of users as Microsoft's Windows and Windows NT operating systems.
• Red Hat's growth, even assuming a doubling or tripling of its user base, would be considered a rounding error compared to the user base of Microsoft's operating systems.
• Enterprise marketing group manager Edmund Muth acknowledged Microsoft's concerns about competitive threats, including Linux, but stated that the company's relationship with Intel remains strong.

Statistics:

• 85% of the world's personal computers rely on Intel microprocessors.
• Red Hat's software currently has a relatively small user base compared to Microsoft's Windows and Windows NT operating systems.
• Linux has approximately 1/10th the number of users as Microsoft's Windows and Windows NT operating systems.

Sources:

• Byline associated with the original article, "Associated Press New York -- Red Hat"
• Red Hat Software Inc. (no specific date or publication date mentioned in the original text)
• Intel Corp. (no specific date or publication date mentioned in the original text)
• Netscape Communications Corp. (no specific date or publication date mentioned in the original text)
• Zona Research, Inc. (no specific date or publication date mentioned in the original text)
• Microsoft Corp. (no specific date or publication date mentioned in the original text)