IBM Business Partners Embrace Linux in Growing Numbers

Linux Initiatives Drive New Opportunities for Business Partners

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - 18 Feb 2002: IBM today announced the number of IBM Business Partners supporting IBM's Linux*-enabled software increased more than 800 percent over the last year.

In addition, more than 1000 IBM Business Partners attained Linux certification from RedHat and the Linux Professional Institute last year.

"Business Partners from all over the world are seizing the opportunity to take part in the rapid growth surrounding the Linux platform," said Scott Handy, director, Worldwide Linux Software, IBM. "The ability to deliver the industry's leading e-business solutions on the fastest growing platform in the market is a powerful combination that quickly leads partners to new opportunities, driving revenue and expanding their customer base."

According to analyst firm IDC, Linux is the fastest growing server operating system in the market, and second in volume only to Windows NT/2000 through 2005.**

"IBM's Linux initiative allows customers and partners to bring edge of network applications into the enterprise while creating a value proposition across the IBM portfolio for partners to truly sell integrated solutions with Linux and IBM," said Janet Waxman, research manager, Server and Workstation Distribution, IDC Research.

New Linux Initiatives for Business Partners
To help Business Partners meet the growing demand for Linux-based solutions, IBM is delivering the IBM Leadership Edge for Linux, a set of new and enhanced initiatives within the IBM PartnerWorld** program. Through the Leadership Edge for Linux, IBM will provide enhanced education, certification, co-marketing, incentives and technical support to assist the end-to-end Linux community of IBM Business Partners.

"Pioneer-Standard continues to be a leader in the Linux space, providing substantial and reliable technical solutions to our customers as they embrace this cost-effective platform," said Matt Reaves, vice president, Software Sales & Marketing, Pioneer-Standard, Computer Systems Division. "Through our long-standing relationship with IBM, Pioneer-Standard offers solution providers integrated resources that create new sales opportunities and increase revenue streams. We look forward to participating in the Leadership Edge for Linux initiatives as our Linux portfolio grows."

As part of Leadership Edge for Linux, IBM will provide an enhanced Ready, Set, Linux -- GO! initiative. The four phased approach includes: Ready: education and how to get started with IBM; Set: technical training and support on Linux; Linux: an ongoing enablement and support program featuring educational roadmaps leading to certification and access to key PartnerWorld benefits for those delivering e-business solutions for Linux; and Go!: a set of marketing and sales tools to create and capture demand for Linux solutions.

To further support the independent software vendor (ISV) community, IBM will be announcing the Solutions Edge for Linux to help accelerate the development of Linux applications that address the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses. IBM will provide a broad range of application development, porting and testing support for smaller businesses.

To enhance the development of complete Linux solutions, IBM's new Business Partner Leaders for Linux initiative, will support and reward Business Partners with opportunities and incentives to spur business growth and the enterprise adoption of Linux, including extended sales force linkage, co-marketing incentives and sales accelerators.

For up-to-date news, tools and resources on IBM Linux solutions and partner support, please visit The Linux Lens ( www.ibm.com/partnerworld/linux) at the PartnerWorld Web site.

Momentum on the Server
By providing solutions with ISV's - Axiom, Bynari, and Steeleye - customers can further increase their business applications that run on Linux and the IBM eServer xSeries line of servers.

Steeleye, a provider of clustering software for Linux and Windows environments, is announcing the availability of its ServerProven LifeKeeper software on IBM's eServer xSeries. Flamenco Networks, a leading provider of Web Services Networks, has chosen this bundled solution from Steeleye and IBM xSeries to provide a highly reliable Linux infrastructure for their Web services management platform. With the scalable architecture of IBM x342, x340 systems and LifeKeeper products, Flamenco can easily add Web servers or database servers as necessary.

Additionally Bynari, which provides an integrated messaging, calandering and e-mail solution, has partnered with IBM eServer xSeries to provide small and medium enterprises with Bynari's Insight Mail Server and Intel-based servers to provide reliable electronic mail and collaboration capabilities. Bynari is currently working with customers across key industries to implement a stable, cost-effective e-mail solution on Linux-based IBM eServers that allows Microsoft Exchange users to leave behind Microsoft NT and Exchange infrastructures while maintaining full Outlook client functionality.

About IBM
IBM ( www.ibm.com) is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM PartnerWorld is a marketing and enablement program designed to create new revenue and marketing opportunities for IBM Business Partners, and provide customers with e-business solutions including products, services, technologies and marketing.

*Indicates trademark or registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

**Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

All other trademarks are the properties of their respective companies.