Groupe Bull SA has joined the ranks of converts to the Linux operating system, offering new services, certification, security and a port of its OpenMaster software as proof of its commitment. Paris, France-based Bull says it will provide consulting, application and technology integration, applications support and a dedicated hotline to Linux users.
Bull has certified several of its Express 5800 Intel-based servers for use with Linux. One of these, the LC1400, will be offered to the education market pre-loaded with Red Hat Linux 6.0 and the Cygnus GNUPro tool kit. Meanwhile, in partnership with Intel Corp, Bull plans to port the common data security architecture (CDSA) to Linux. Finally, the French company has formed the LinuxMaster Group, an independent association with the objective of developing and using Bull’s OpenMaster administration services for Linux, and especially Linux-based internet installations.
Thanks to the porting of OpenMaster on Linux, powerful functions for system and network administration are already available, said LinuxMaster Group president Maria Legay. So why pour all this effort into the Linux market, and why now? Bull has decided to commit to Linux in order to meet the needs of customers who wish to have an open source system at very low cost and to benefit from Unix experience, explained co-president of Bull Services Noel Saille.
