Lindon, UT- May 4, 1999 – KeyLabsTM, Inc. today announced the
official release of its vendor-neutral Linux compatibility testing
program; the first program of its kind to provide hardware vendors
with a way to prove to potential customers that their computer
hardware has been tested to verify its compatibility with Linux
software.
“At present, this compatibility testing program is the only
announced vendor-independent Linux program of its kind,” stated
Pete Nelson, Program Manager for KeyLabs. “An independent testing
program of this kind is key for the business community’s acceptance
of Linux. Support from companies like Caldera Systems, who played
the catalyst role in bringing together all of the Linux vendors,
makes this program a unified business initiative.”
This testing program benefits hardware manufacturers and
hardware purchasers. It gives hardware manufacturers the
opportunity to verify and advertise their product’s compatibility
with multiple versions of Linux. It also gives Linux users the
opportunity to choose both server and desktop-class hardware they
know has been tested and found to be Linux-compatible.
“A tested system is supportable, which gives customers piece of
mind and quickens the introduction of Linux to the business
environment”, explained J.D. Brisk, President and CEO of KeyLabs.
“Component selection is no longer a crap-shoot.”
The independent hardware vendor whose product successfully
passes all Linux-compatible tests receives a test bulletin, which
will be listed on the KeyLabs Web site, and the opportunity to use
the Linux Compatible logo. Other benefits to the IHV include:
joint-marketing opportunities, detailed test reporting and
feedback, and ultimately, enhanced Linux presence in the
industry.
“This is a first in the Linux industry,” said Ransom Love,
President and CEO of Caldera Systems, Inc. “The tangibility of this
program – implemented by a certification facility with the
reputation of KeyLabs – propels acceptance at an enterprise level
in the spirit of the Linux Standard Base (LSB). The resulting
support with other Linux vendors creates a win-win for
everyone.”
“Independent certification through KeyLabs will help give our
customers confidence that they are implementing a tested and
compatible Linux configuration,” said Michael Riegel, IBM Netfinity
Solutions Manager. “We are pleased to see that KeyLabs will play an
important role in the Linux community, and we have already begun
working with them to certify our Netfinity servers with multiple
versions of Linux.”
“We welcome independent Linux testing for this exploding
market,” said Lonn Johnston, vice president of Pacific HiTech.
“Hardware certification needs to be about customer peace of mind
and not vendor branding and marketing.”
“The announcement of this Linux Compatibility program by KeyLabs
is another indicator of the rapid adoption of the Linux operating
system,” said Billy Marshall, Director of Hardware OEM programs at
Red Hat Software. “Choices in service offerings will continue to
accelerate Linux penetration of the enterprise server market.”
Michael Riegel, IBM Netfinity Solutions Manager, explains that,
“This independent compatibility program through KeyLabs includes
the widest variety of Linux distributors. We believe such a
wide-ranging approach to Linux compatibility testing does the best
job of meeting the customer’s needs.”
Already the sole independent testing lab for Sun’s 100% Pure
Java certification, and the testing lab of choice for Novell, Cisco
and other manufacturers seeking a variety of certifications for
their products, KeyLabs isn’t new to certification testing. In
fact, KeyLabs’ experience, expertise, and industry reputation is a
key reason why various hardware manufacturers and industry
professionals are actively supporting KeyLabs’ development of the
Linux Compatibility testing program. For additional details as
available, visit the KeyLabs web site at http://www.keylabs.com, or subscribe
to KeyBytes (KeyLabs free newsletter) at https://www.keylabs.com/services/emailnews.
About KeyLabs
KeyLabs, Inc., located in Lindon, Utah, is the industry’s largest
independent network test lab. KeyLabs’ unique test facility offers
a full suite of cost-effective certifications, benchmarking,
performance and scalability analysis, compatibility and stress
testing, and custom test solutions. KeyLabs is a privately owned
corporation. More company information can be found at http://www.keylabs.com.
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Trademarks -KeyLabsTM is a trademark of KeyLabs, Inc. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.