[lohner at debian.org: VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly & SGI Sponsor Debian GNU/Linux Retail Product]
Nikos Mavroyanopoulos
nmav at hellug.gr
Tue Oct 12 15:20:55 EEST 1999
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Subject: VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly & SGI Sponsor Debian GNU/Linux Retail
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debian Project
http://www.debian.org/
VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly & SGI Sponsor Debian GNU/Linux Retail Product
October 12, 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> News
VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly & SGI Sponsor Debian GNU/Linux Retail Product
Popular Non-Commercial Linux Distribution Bundled as CD-ROM & Book Package
Atlanta, GA - October 12, 1999 - VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly Associates and
SGI, Inc. (NYSE:SGI) announced today that the three companies have come
together to support the Debian Project by sponsoring the introduction of the
Debian GNU/Linux operating system to major retail stores. Profits from
Debian GNU/Linux sales will be donated to Software in the Public Interest, a
non-profit organization for Open Source projects including Debian.
Debian is currently the most popular "non-commercial" version of the
Linux(R) operating system, and was voted a LinuxWorld Conference & Expo Show
Favorite. Key to Debian's success is its ongoing development by over 500
volunteer developers worldwide who maintain more than 2500 free software
packages.
Until now Debian GNU/Linux has been available largely via download from the
Internet. The joint effort by VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly and SGI thus marks
the first time that Debian GNU/Linux will be packaged and made available
with commercial documentation and add-ons as a major retail product.
"The combined sponsorship of VA, O'Reilly and SGI is a unique effort
allowing everyone to try the non-commercial Debian distribution," said
Wichert Akkerman, the current Debian project leader. "The distribution has
been built with the loving care of over 500 Debian developers, and we hope
it will give everyone the same pleasant experience it gives us."
The Debian GNU/Linux package will be offered for a suggested introductory
price of $19.95, and will consist of a CD of 1440 open source software
packages, along with Bill McCarty's "Learning Debian GNU/Linux," published
by O'Reilly. In addition, the package will include a demo CD version of
Loki Entertainment's "Myth II: Soulblighter" game software. In keeping with
the spirit of Debian, O'Reilly will be making the book freely available
online under the Open Publication License.
The Debian Project's Internet-based development model has helped the
distribution achieve unparalleled Internet functionality. One of the most
popular features in Debian GNU/Linux is "apt-get," which automates free
network downloads of all software package updates, making the Debian CD the
last CD a user would ever need to keep system up-to-date with Linux.
The Debian package sponsored by VA, O'Reilly and SGI will be available
direct from valinux.com, and through major retail and online stores.
Debian.org offers support for the distribution through email, web and IRC.
In addition, VA Linux Systems is sponsoring a commercial support package for
new Debian GNU/Linux users.
"Debian is currently the second most requested Linux distribution among VA
Linux Systems customers," said Brian Biles, VA Linux Systems' vice president
of marketing. "We applaud the Debian Project for its long, outstanding
contribution to the Free Software and Open Source communities."
"Debian embodies many of the best practices of open source
development.Debian's developer community is already the largest in the Linux
world; all that it has needed to make it more accessible to new users is
better documentation, packaging, and distribution," said Tim O'Reilly, CEO
of O'Reilly & Associates. "This distribution will jump Debian into the
first rank not just for hard core Linux developers but for everyone."
"The Open Source development model has resulted in several key
accomplishments including the creation of Debian/GNU Linux," said Dave
McAllister, director of strategic technology for SGI. "Together with
O'Reilly and VA Linux Systems, SGI has ensured greater accessibility to
quality Linux solutions."
About the Debian Project
------------------------
The Debian Project is comprised of over 500 developers worldwide who are
committed to excellence in Free Software. Debian GNU/Linux is the result of
a volunteer effort to create a free, high-quality UNIX(R)-compatible
operating system, complete with a suite of applications. For more
information on Debian, see http://www.debian.org.
About VA Linux Systems
----------------------
VA Linux Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of Linux-based solutions,
integrating systems, software and services. VA Linux's broad-based
technical expertise in systems and software design, as well as its focus on
the Linux operating system and other open source solutions, enables the
company to provide high-quality Linux-based systems designed for optimal
performance, reliability and scalability. VA also offers comprehensive
services and support through its staff of Linux system and software
engineers. VA Linux Systems is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and is
located on the web at http://www.valinux.com.
About O'Reilly
--------------
O'Reilly & Associates is recognized worldwide for its definitive books on
open source software, the Internet, programming, Windows NT(R) and UNIX(R)
operating systems. O'Reilly also produces award-winning Internet software,
technical conferences, and innovative web-based courses. From their
pioneering bestseller The Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog (designated
one of 100 Books of the Century by the New York Public Library) to GNN (the
first Internet portal and commercial website) to WebSite (the first web
server software for desktop PCs), O'Reilly has been at the forefront of
Internet development. Information about the company can be found at
http://www.oreilly.com.
About SGI
---------
SGI provides a broad range of high-performance computing and advanced
graphics solutions that enable customers to understand and conquer their
toughest computing problems. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., with
offices worldwide, the company is located on the Web at www.sgi.com.
###
Note to editors: Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. UNIX
is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed
exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd. Windows NT is a registered
trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are property of
their respective owners.
###
Contact:
Eureka Endo
VA Linux Systems
(408)542-5754
eureka at valinux.com
Donna Sokolsky
Spark PR for VA Linux Systems
(650)330-0330 x222
donna at sparkpr.com
Lisa Mann
O'Reilly & Associates
(707)829-0515 ext 230
lisam at oreilly.com
Joany Draeger
SGI, Inc.
(650)933-3132
joanyd at prmachine.corp.sgi.com
Debian Press Team
press at debian.org
--
Nils Lohner E-Mail: lohner at debian.org
Debian Press Team Press: press at debian.org
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Nikos Mavroyanopoulos
mailto:nmav at hellug.gr
I may not be perfect, but parts of me are excellent.
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