Red Hat steps up plans for European expansion

Linux vendor Red Hat has continued its aggressive growth plans for the UK and Europe through distribution agreements with Ingram Micro and Gem.

Linux vendor Red Hat has continued its aggressive growth plans for the UK and Europe through distribution agreements with Ingram Micro and Gem.

The vendor has already signed a deal with Computer 2000 as part of an attempt to take on about 1000 European Vars by the year end.

Red Hat will also make purchasing and fulfilment of its product easier in Europe through a deal with software manufacturer Saturn.

Speaking in London last week, Bob Young, Red Hat chief executive, said Europe will account for about 50 per cent of the company's sales. "Red Hat is committed to the European market. We aim to look after our customers, therefore people have to be able to go to any Var and retail outlet and find Red Hat Linux," he said.

But one Linux Var, who wished to remain anonymous, questioned Red Hat's motives for expansion into Europe. He also claimed Red Hat was attempting to dominate the Linux space because "from there it would be easier to take the market for all it's worth".

Andy Dickens, sales director at Red Hat EMEA, admitted the company was aiming to make the Red Hat brand synonymous with Linux.

Young added: "You make money by building a brand. We will build a brand that stands for reliability, consistency and quality."

Dickens claimed the strength of the brand was a compelling reason for Vars to sell Red Hat Linux. "We are the only Linux vendor with a global brand and global presence," he said.

Training for the reseller and developer community will be provided from Red Hat and through agreements with Authorised Training Partners such as Global Knowledge and Siemens.

Peter Dawes, managing director of Linux IT, claimed the Var would not be badly affected by Red Hat's support plans. He said any conflict would be "a fair fight" and maintained that clients valued "independent service expertise".