Corel Computer and KDE Announce Technology Relationship: Linux
desktop computing made easier and friendlier through collaborative
project
Ottawa, Canada–November 25, 1998–Corel Computer and the K
Desktop Environment (KDE) Project today announced a technology
relationship that will bring the KDE graphical user interface (GUI)
to desktop versions of the NetWinder Linux-based thin-client and
thin-server computers.
The alliance between Corel Computer and KDE, a non-commercial
association of Open Source® programmers, provides NetWinder
users a sophisticated front-end to Linux, a stable and robust
UNIX®-like operating system.
“The KDE GUI is a key piece of our strategy to deliver highly
compatible, high-value, Linux-powered desktops to our corporate
customers,” said Ron McNab, vice president and general manager of
Corel Computer. “This is part of our ongoing commitment to our
customers by providing easy-to-use management and productivity
tools for the NetWinder.”
Corel Computer intends to participate with the KDE Project to
bring new skills and technology to this phenomenal desktop
environment. Corel Computer has shipped a number of NetWinder DM,
or development machines, to KDE developers who are helping to port
the desktop environment. Additionally, NetWinder.Org developers,
Raffaele Saena and John Olson, were responsible for championing
development of KDE on the NetWinder.
“Through the collaboration of KDE and Corel Computer, networking
with the NetWinder will now be as easy as toasting your bread in
the morning,” said Uwe Thiem, the African-region representative of
the KDE Team. “This collaboration and the port to the NetWinder
gives us an opportunity to deliver our free desktop to even more
users. We are confident KDE will gain widespread acceptance of
users because of its outstanding functionality and ease of
use.”
Corel Computer plans to make desktop versions of the NetWinder
running KDE available in early 1999. Early demonstrations of the
port, such as the one shown at the Open Systems fair in Wiesbaden,
Germany, in September, have been enthusiastically received by
potential customers.
Based on the Open Source model, Corel Computer is devoting
internal development resources to the improvement of the KDE
project including rigorous testing of the environment on the
NetWinder. As a developing partner, Corel Computer will release its
work back to the KDE development community.
KDE Information
The K Desktop Environment is a non-commercial, international,
Internet-based project which develops the freely available
graphical desktop environment for the UNIX® and Linux®
platforms. The completely new Internet enabled desktop,
incorporating a large suite of applications for Unix workstations
currently supports more than 25 languages. The strength of this
exceptional environment lies in the interoperability of its
components and the functionalit y of its applications. For more
information about KDE and its technology, please visit the web site
at www.kde.org or contact press@kde.org.
Corel Computer
Corel Computer, a global player in the design and manufacture of
high quality thin-client, thin-server and video conferencing
products, markets the NetWinder and CorelVIDEO product lines as
part of a strategy to merge communications and computing on the
desktop. As a vigorous proponent of open standards and vendor
neutral technology, Corel Computer has incorporate d the StrongARM
microprocessor and the Linux operating system into its compact,
powerful NetWinder network computing products, which deliver more
than 250 MIPS yet consumes a fraction of the power of an average
desktop computer. Its CorelVIDEO platform comprises reliable,
scalable tools for face-to-face video communications, whether
across the hall or around the world. Corel Computer is a division
of Corel Corporation, an award-winning developer of graphics
software and productivity applications. Company information is
available on the World Wide Web at www.corelcomputer.com .
Corel and CorelVIDEO are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Corel Corporation. Used with permission. NetWinder is a trademark
of Corel Computer Corp. StrongARM is a registered trademark of ARM
Ltd. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Used with
permission. Open Source is a certificati on mark of Software in the
Public Interest. Used with permission.