European ISVs win approval from Red Hat

Red Hat is preparing to ship the next version of its Linux operating system as it continues to tighten its hold on the European market with the launch of a formal programme for independent software vendors.

Red Hat is preparing to ship the next version of its Linux operating system (OS) as it continues to tighten its hold on the European market with the launch of a formal programme for independent software vendors (ISVs).

Details of version 6.2 of Red Hat Linux are expected to be announced this week, including shipment dates and pricing.

Last week, Red Hat also launched its official partner scheme for European ISVs. The vendor claimed the scheme would suit ISVs already developing software for Linux, such as Informix, IBM and Oracle, or smaller players writing commercial or Open Source applications.

Andy Dickens, sales director at Red Hat Europe, said: "This is a great chance for software vendors to take advantage of Linux, to expand their business and to pursue European business opportunities using Red Hat technologies."

Programme partners will be given access to Red Hat logos, training, support and development resources. ISVs will also have their programs listed on an application CD that will be made available with every copy of the Red Hat Linux OS.

In addition, the Linux vendor has launched an enterprise channel partner programme in the US for its largest resellers and system integrators.

As part of the partner scheme, larger partners will be given priority support and training as well as improved marketing and branding opportunities.