New Red Hat desktop Linux version by October

Red Hat India will bring out desktop versions of the Linux, based on its Enterprise kernel 2.4.21, by October. According to Javed Tapia, Director, Red Hat India, the building of the desktop Linux will give it with increased stability and dependability. 

The company was unwilling to comment whether the present Linux desktop versions will be phased out. According to Javed, these decisions will be taken following talks with the relevant OEMs.

"It is important to realize that since Linux is new in the market, it should provide definite value to the customer. This value has to be evident right from the software deployment to the service,” remarks
Javed. 

He adds that Linux vendors have to work at providing this value as a complete solution. He says that giving only the OS is offering ‘pseudo-Linux’ solutions. He emphasizes that they have to be more proactive and ensure that more people are aware and familiar with Linux. 

“We have a Red Hat ready certification program where we evaluate the hardware of the computer and make sure that the components are up to requisite standards. We have implemented training programs for end-customers and OEMs to educate them on OS, helping them with problems that they cannot solve. Thus, Red Hat doesn’t leave its customers to fend for themselves," remarks Javed. This approach, he adds, will go a long way in propagating Linux as the ultimate OS. 

SATHYA MITHRA

BANGALORE