Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2006/01/31/likewise_channel_hunt/

Centeris scouts for Euro dealers

Switzerland of software mounts invasion

By Team Register

Posted in Channel, 31st January 2006 15:11 GMT

Windows to Linux start-up Centeris is hunting for channel partners in the UK and Europe after launching its flagship Likewise product.

Likewise allows administrators to manage Linux servers using Windows-based tools. It also offers single sign-on across Windows and Linux systems. The company aims to position itself above the normal bitching between the Windows and Open Source camps, styling itself the “Switzerland of the industry”, according to CTO Manny Vellon.

Hopefully dealers will find Seattle-based Centeris a little more exciting than the famously neutral Alpine state. Vellon said that during its beta program around half the downloads were from Europe, and to help kick off its channel it is looking for around five partners in each of the major European countries.

The software costs $350 per managed server. Vellon said Centeris had decided to price per box, rather than focus on the number of processors or cores per box.

While the firm is initially focusing on integrating Linux and Windows at the server level, Vellon said over time it planned to move up the software stack. ®