In an effort to expand its commitment to Linux as a low-cost alternative to Windows NT, Oracle has announced strategic relationships with the world's top four Linux vendors. Linux is a powerful version of the Unix operating system which can be downloaded from the Internet on CD-Rom for less than $100 (£67.60).
Oracle will develop marketing and technology relationships with US-based Red Hat Software (www.redhat.com) and VA Research (www.varesearch.com), Europe and North Americanbased SuSE (www.suse.com), and Japan-based Pacific HiTech (www.pht.com). The new relationships will include links between www.oracle.com and the Linux vendor sites, joint promotional activities and joint support of Linux technology development efforts. Each Linux vendor will distribute Oracle8 on Linux via its websites, and direct Linux developers to free membership in the Oracle Technology Network (technet.oracle.com).
The first 5,000 developers who register for the Linux Early Adopter Program on the Oracle Technology Network website will receive an Early Adopter Pre-Release of Oracle8 on Linux and supporting technical material about Oracle8 on Linux.
