As New York City geared up for this week's LinuxWorld Expo, TurboLinux announced the release of a new server package that has been optimized for e-commerce.
In an attempt to woo online business professionals who work with the open-source operating system, TurboLinux Server 6.0 -- based on the latest Linux kernel 2.2.13 -- includes versions of the OpenMerchant e-commerce suite and the Tallyman shopping cart programs. Additionally, the package includes more than 200 new or updated packages and programs.
Product Specs
The server product, designed to work as a secure, backend server 
for business, includes a copy of the BRU backup software along with RAID and UPS support enhancements. Also included is a set of network connectivity tools that are designed to help integrate a TurboLinux server into a variety of IT environments.
The Linux vendor also released version 6.0 of its Workstation OS package, which includes the Sun Microsystems StarOffice, Netscape Communicator, and a desktop environment choice between GNOME, KDE, or the ICE Window Manager. The updated workstation product also comes bundled with a series of developer tools, including a trial version of VMWare, which allows users to run Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) 
Windows applications under Linux and System Commander.
A Critical Step
TurboLinux announced a new channel program this week to support its Authorized Reseller partners in North America. The program includes a range of services, from training and support to marketing, sales, and lead generation in cities around the United States.
The company has also established engineering teams to support the program. "Our new channel program in North America backs our reseller partners with feet on the ground to help them locally on joint sales calls as well as with a dedicated team of marketing , sales, support and engineering experts at our headquarters office in San Francisco," stated Miller.
Some industry analysts have seen establishing a reseller program as a critical step for TurboLinux to effectively compete against other Linux vendors, including Red Hat, in the United States. The company began focusing on the U.S. market in mid-1999 after making significant advancements in the Asia Pacific region.
Beyond Beowulf
TurboLinux also announced the release of its new enFuzion clustering technology that is designed to transform a company's network of Linux, UNIX and Windows servers and workstations into a supercomputer .
enFuzion, typically utilized for modeling complex problems, accelerates application calculations by more than 100 times, features auto load balancing and resource sharing and supports Linux, HP-UX, IBM-AIX, SGI Irix, Solaris, Tru64 and Windows NT platforms. AMP Asset Management, JP Morgan and the European Synchroton Radiation Facility are early enFuzion adopters.
About TurboLinux
TurboLinux, formerly known as Pacific HiTech, completed its second round of funding recently, pulling in close to $57 million (US$) from some of the tech industry's biggest players.
Computer manufacturers Compaq (NYSE: CPQ) and Dell (Nasdaq: DELL) topped a list of investors looking to back the provider of Linux-based business and desktop software solutions. Other backers include Applix, BEA Systems, Fujitsu, Inprise/Borland, Novell, SCO (Santa Cruz Operation) and Toshiba.
The move, according to some observers, may set the stage for an upcoming TurboLinux IPO. The company has declined comment on a possible public offering, however.
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