Red Hat Inc and Dell Computer Corp have extended their strategic alliance with a worldwide service and support agreement. The deal includes a commitment from Dell to factory-install Linux on all current and future models of the Dell PowerEdge server. The Dell ‘seal-of-approval’ is important in advancing Linux-based OSs in the enterprise space, admitted Red Hat president and CEO Matthew Szulik. Jack Steeg, VP of alliances for Dell’s Enterprise Systems Group, acknowledged that the trend cuts both ways. Over the last year, we’ve seen increasing demand for Red Hat Linux, particularly from internet service providers, government agencies, universities and businesses of all sizes, Steeg said. Dell’s global customers should now be able to get service and support for Red Hat Linux in most major business regions. PowerEdge customers will get 90 days of web and phone support, discounted Red Hat professional services and 180 days of Red Hat subscription services to notify administrators via email of new OS versions and patches.
