Corel Builds Windows Bridge To Linux

In an effort to jumpstart consumer acceptance of its recently released Linux distribution, Corel Corp. (Nasdaq: CORL) has tapped the services of Web-enabling solutions provider GraphOn Corp. (Nasdaq: GOJO).

Corel will incorporate the GraphOn Bridges product into the Corel LINUX OS package to enable users to run Windows applications over any connection.

"With the integration of GraphOn Bridges into the Corel LINUX OS, it will be easy to enjoy the benefits and high reliability of Linux while having access to the most widely used Windows applications," commented Michael Cowpland, president and CEO of Corel.

Mid-2000 Availability

Users will be able to purchase a version of the Corel LINUX OS package that contains both Linux and Windows NT server licenses for GraphOn Bridges later this year. With the updated software package, they will be able to remotely access most Windows applications on a Windows NT server via the Corel LINUX OS desktop without having to license any additional third-party software.

"Corel and GraphOn are taking Corel LINUX to the next level by giving users the freedom to adopt Linux while still using their familiar Windows applications," stated GraphOn president and CEO Walt Keller. "It's no longer a choice of one OS or the other."

The Corel licensing arrangement with GraphOn is an expansion of a previous licensing agreement that allowed Corel's own Windows applications to run on the Corel LINUX OS desktop.

About Corel and Linux

Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) rival Corel staged the release of its Linux distribution in November of 1999 at the first annual Linux Business Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Corel had already released a version of its WordPerfect word processing software for Linux, and plans to release a full version of its own office suite for the open-source OS later this year.

Adding Linux Support

In December of 1999, Corel made a strategic investment in technical services and support provider LinuxForce, Inc. The deal allowed Corel to be able to deliver end-to-end solutions to users of its Linux products.

"LinuxForce is a Linux services company that specializes in supporting the Debian Linux distribution and since Corel LINUX OS is also Debian-based, Corel and LinuxForce is a powerful one-two Linux punch," commented Cowpland.

"Teaming up with LinuxForce means that we will be able to easily offer professional services for Linux to assist our customers in the deployment and integration of our Linux software."

Penguin Report from the Wireless Front

In other Linux news, eConnect (OTCBB: ECNC) announced a joint venture with Pilot Island today to develop wireless Internet cash payments.

The agreement will add ePocketPay wireless payment capabilities to the Linux Transaction Server (LTS), which also processes Internet merchant fees. ePocketPay will be jointly developed, allowing users to access to such applications as open stock brokerage accounts with an ATM or credit card.