Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1999/12/06/dell_extends_linux_install_offer/

Dell extends Linux install offer to servers

Strengthens deal with Red Hat

By Tony Smith

Posted in On-Prem, 6th December 1999 14:17 GMT

Dell today extended its Linux support when it announced that all of its PowerEdge servers can now be ordered with Red Hat's version of the open source OS pre-installed. Dell already offers Red Hat Linux as an alternative to Windows on selected workstation and desktop PC configurations, so extending the scheme to servers is perhaps no big deal. That said, since Dell is the World's number two branded server vendor, at least for Q3 99, according to IDC, it does make Linux accessible to rather more server customers than it was before. "Our shipments of Red Hat Linux have more than doubled over the past quarter," said Jack Steeg, Dell's VP of Alliances within the company's Enterprise Systems Group. Of course, it's hard to be sure what percentage of those increased shipments are to customers who would have bought a copy of Linux anyway and how many to those who are getting the OS simply because Dell has made it easier to do so, but Dell's support for the OS must be helping here. The deal also provides worldwide PowerEdge/Linux customers free and discounted service and support through Red Hat. PowerEdge buyers will get the usual 90 days' free phone and Web-based support, plus 180 days' priority access to Red Hat's upgrades FTP server. Dell customers seeking further help or installation consultations will get a discount if they go through Red Hat's Services division, though neither company specified what discount they're likely to get. ® Related Stories High spec games PC outfit to ship Red Hat Corel chief denies Red Hat takeover bid Red Hat aiming to buy Corel Linux rival?