“Applix, Inc….,today announced the acquisition of
Cosource.com, a leading auction site for open source and Linux
software enhancements. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
In conjunction with the acquisition, Mr. Bernie Thompson, Founder
and CEO of Cosource.com, has been appointed President of Applix’s
Linux Division. Mr. Thompson will assume responsibility for all of
the Linux Division’s operations. The acquisition of Cosource.com
and its integration with the Linux Division’s Smartbeak.com web
site provide the essential components of a fully enabled e-commerce
solution, which will facilitate open source development and support
on a global basis. Further, the acquisition positions the Linux
Division to enhance its strategy by not only providing leading-edge
applications, such as Applixware Office, WebInsight and Applix
Anyware, but by enabling the cost-effective development of open
source applications and services over the Internet. These
initiatives will enable the Linux Division to continue to expand
its revenue base through active partnering with Linux operating
system vendors, web portals and Application Service Providers.
“The acquisition of Cosource strengthens the overall strategy of
the Linux Division to focus on the emerging market opportunities
created by the convergence of open source, Linux, and the
Internet”, said Jit Saxena, Chairman and CEO of Applix. Mr. Saxena
added, “This market opportunity is best served by companies that
offer the right balance of leading edge technology and innovative
Internet services. Further, the acquisition better positions the
Linux Division to execute a possible spinout strategy in the
future.”
“Bernie Thompson, Founder & CEO of Cosource.com commented,
“Because software technology is increasingly critical to the
customer’s infrastructure, there is growing demand for open source
and open dialog between customer and supplier. Together with our
partners and affiliates, Cosource.com and SmartBeak.com are key
components of a service network that brokers development and
support of products, builds on-line communities around them, and
increases control and choice for customers. The result is increased
value and market share for the products and services served by
these systems.” Prior to founding Cosource.com, Mr. Thompson
represented the business and technical interests of S3, Inc. at
Microsoft, and earlier worked at IBM on the development of the OS/2
operating system. His involvement with Linux dates back to 1993.
Mr. Thompson added, “With solid financials, strong underlying
technology, and established position in the Linux and web-hosted
application markets, Applix is uniquely positioned to capitalize on
the market changes driving the software industry today.”