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Netscape ramps up ISP-oriented Linux efforts

Preview server apps released -- full versions to come in a few months

Netscape yesterday extended its strategy of winning the hearts and minds of Linux-running Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with the release of three key server products. The company unveiled Directory Server 4.0 and Messaging Server 4.0 for Linux and promised the preview releases would be followed up with final versions within two months. At the same time, Netscape said it had begun shipping its Delegated Administrator management console software. All three applications -- and other version 4.0 server products which the company said will begin to appear in the coming months -- are aimed primarily at ISPs in an attempt to shore up such users' support for Netscape products in the face of increased competition from the likes of IBM and, in particular, Hewlett-Packard. HP too has made Linux a key part of its strategy to target its PA-RISC and Intel-based servers at ISPs (see HP finalises Linux, open source plans). Following the developing trend of vendors' getting their names attached to leading Linux distributors, Netscape said it intends to work with Red Hat, Caldera et al, though it didn't say precisely how. Some kind of bundling and support product seems likely, given IBM's moves in that direction (see IBM to support all major Linux distributions) and Netscape's comment that it would also be working with Linux-supporting PC vendors, such as Compaq, HP and VA Research. ® See also Intel to back Linux hardware outfit

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