Thanks to Richard
Lamothe for this link.
“The volunteers driving the Linux operating platform have
reached a crossroads with Red Hat’s planned IPO.”
“Red Hat Inc., which offers shrink-wrapped Linux software with
technical support in addition to free downloadable versions, is
planning to raise a cool $96-million (all figures in U.S. dollars)
through an initial public offering. Last year, the Durham,
N.C.-based firm reported revenue of only $10.8-million and a net
loss of $91,000.
“These Internet-type valuations show that people recognize the
huge potential of Linux,” says Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and
chief executive of Corel Corp. The Ottawa-based software firm is
dedicating about 10% of its resources to port its Word Perfect
Office 2000 and other products to the Linux platform.
“The venerable Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as lead
underwriter for Red Hat…”