Caldera signs Linux Net appliance deal with Fujitsu

Linux distributor Caldera Systems today confirmed press speculation that it has done a deal with Fujitsu to bundle OpenLinux 2.3 with the Japanese giant's server products. Actually, it turns out the deal only covers "many of [Fujitsu's] servers" -- in other words, not all of them. For instance, it's not clear how many of Fujitsu's server-supplying subsidiaries, such as ICL, will offer Caldera's version of Linux. Probably not, since the deal appears to focus solely on the Japanese market. In fact, when the companies' release says "Fujitsu will distribute OpenLinux 2.3... on many of its servers, including the GranPower series", it means only on the GranPower series. Still, it's not a bad deal for Caldera, since it emerges that Fujitsu's interest here isn't just in servers but in the broader Internet appliance market too. The two companies will "work together to offer a complete range of Internet appliances and devices", a curious move given that that's the role of Caldera Systems' sister company, Lineo. Caldera will train up Fujitsu's technical support personnel and act as support back-up for Fujitsu customers. Again, the focus is on the Japanese market, but Fujitsu did hint that it wants to broaden the relationship to cover the global server market. Fujitsu will also promote Caldera's own-brand end user training scheme in Japan, the Caldera Systems Linux Curriculum, based on the independent Linux Professional Institute's certification programme. ® Related Stories