“VA Linux Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:LNUX), the world’s Linux leader,
today announced that it has launched a subsidiary, VA Linux Systems
Japan, K.K., to expand its operations into the Japanese market. In
a landmark move, VA Linux Systems and Sumitomo are investing
together to found the subsidiary, and NTT Communicationware,
NEC and Toshiba Engineering have also indicated their intent to
invest in the venture. The resulting consortium will be a joint
effort to speed the advancement of Linux and Open Source software
in Japan — from the Internet server market to the
enterprise.”
“VA Linux Systems Japan is an historic effort, with industry
leaders coming together to jumpstart the adoption of Linux and Open
Source software development in Japan,” said Robert Russo, VA Linux
Systems’ general manager and senior vice president of worldwide
sales, marketing and services. “The interest of Sumitomo and other
leading technology companies in VA Linux Systems Japan is a strong
endorsement of the potential growth opportunity for Linux and Open
Source solutions in the Japanese Internet infrastructure and
enterprise markets. We expect VA Linux Systems Japan, together with
our recently announced European operations, to extend VA Linux
Systems’ reach significantly as a global company.”
“In addition to their expected financial investments in VA Linux
Systems Japan, Sumitomo, NTT Communicationware, NEC and Toshiba
Engineering are in discussions with VA about providing VA Linux
servers to their partners and established base of customers. NTT
Communicationware, NEC and Toshiba Engineering also expect to
contribute development resources — including highly skilled
engineers — to the venture.”