IBM Launches Chiphopper- Expands Reach of Linux

IBM today, in collaboration with its Linux business partners Novell and Red Hat, introduced the IBM eServer Application Server Advantage for Linux, also known as Chiphopper, the IT industry's first combination of support and testing tools that will deliver on the promise of a cross-platform Linux solution for ISVs.

The Chiphopper offering allows ISVs worldwide for the first time to increase both their customer reach and revenue opportunities by enabling their Linux application to operate across the entire IBM eServer product line, from entry-level x86-based servers, blades and clusters, POWER-based servers to Linux on the mainframe.

In conjunction with the Chiphopper offering, IBM announced the availability of three Linux special interest areas for ISVs as part of IBM's PartnerWorld Industry Networks program. The special interest areas will serve as the one-stop source for ISVs to help their customers migrate to Linux and will focus on three areas: Sun Solaris to Linux; Microsoft Windows to Linux; and one specifically for Chiphopper. IBM also unveiled new sales and marketing resources specifically designed to help ISVs market and sell their Linux solutions, industry by industry.

The announcement was made today at an IBM press conference at LinuxWorld Boston, which was attended by ISV partners and customers.

"Multi-platform Linux is already a reality with our customers and our ISVs, and the introduction of Chiphopper will accelerate that process," said IBM's Scott Handy, vice president, Linux. "Linux on x86 is already huge, and Chiphopper will not only increase that market opportunity, but also expand it to additional platforms faster than what was possible."

Chiphopper ( named for its capability allowing ISV applications to easily move, or "hop," across various chips ) is a no-charge offering that is available immediately and enabled worldwide to provide the tools and support that empowers ISVs to take their existing Linux-on-x86 ( Intel or AMD ) applications, and easily test, port, and support those applications across all IBM systems including: IBM eServer iSeries, pSeries, zSeries, xSeries, BladeCenter, TotalStorage and the rapidly growing OpenPower line of Linux-based servers from IBM.

Two ways to get portability with Chiphopper
Most applications are written either directly to the operating system, or newer applications are written to middleware to enhance their portability. IBM's Chiphopper supports both methods. For applications written directly to the operating system, IBM takes the most open approach of basing portability on the industry standard Linux Standard Base ( LSB ) specification maintained by the Free Standards Group ( FSG ). In addition, Chiphopper supports LSB applications that use popular open extensions including OpenLDAP, OpenSSL, Kerberos, PHP, Perl and Python. For applications using middleware for portability, Chiphopper supports IBM's WebSphere, DB2 and Rational providing Java, J2EE, Web Services and Services Oriented Architecture open standards-based support in those applications. ISVs that enable their applications on IBM middleware get additional co-marketing and sales coverage benefits delivered through IBM's PartnerWorld Industry Networks program when combined with Chiphopper.

Chiphopper Includes:

-- First-of-a-Kind Porting and Testing Software - IBM has developed and
will supply at no charge to participating ISVs a Source Code Testing and
CHecking Tool ( HoPSCoTCH ) that examines the ISV application code for
portability across hardware platforms and alerts the ISV to potential
technical issues, and provides guidance that assists IBM specialists on
recommended fixes. The IBM team of specialists can provide additional
guidance to ISVs on recommended fixes if needed. A second tool checks C and
C++ code for conformance to the Linux Standard Base ( LSB ).

-- Access to Testing Centers - Participating ISVs will have access to
IBM's Innovation Centers for Business Partners, both remotely and on-site.
These centers provide the equipment, networks, software and skilled
technical resource experience to allow ISVs to test the porting of their
applications across multiple server types. This means that an ISV isn't
required to purchase, for example, an IBM eServer zSeries to port their
application to a mainframe, thereby greatly reducing the costs associated
with porting applications.

-- New Post-Sales Support - Within PartnerWorld Industry Networks, IBM is
introducing a new "Ready for IBM eServer with Linux" mark that signifies
successful completion of the cross-platform Linux validation through
Chiphopper. Once the mark is awarded, ISVs will receive no-charge support
for up to two years. If an ISV experiences a customer issue related to
porting of Linux to a new platform under the Chiphopper offering, IBM will
work directly with the ISV to resolve the issue. ISVs can choose to
display this mark when working with their customers or prospects,
demonstrating the validation of their Linux application and the added
assurance provided by IBM. No other IT vendor provides this type of cross-
platform Linux assurance support to ISVs.

Special Interest Areas for Linux Migration
In conjunction with Chiphopper, IBM is also announcing the availability of special interest communities within PartnerWorld Industry Networks. The purpose of these community areas is to be a one-stop source for all ISV needs, as they research, analyze, migrate and go to market with their new Linux solutions. Based on customer feedback, the three Linux migration special interest communities are:

-- Solaris-to-Linux Special Interest Community - Designed for Sun Solaris
users who are uncertain about Solaris' future and are at a pivotal decision
point in selecting the direction of their IT deployment. These customers
are at a crossroad and are seeking alternate Linux solutions, such as IBM's
Linux on POWER solutions.

-- Windows-to-Linux Special Interest Community - Addresses customers and
partners who have Microsoft NT solutions, but now must adopt another
operating system because NT support has been discontinued. These customers
are required to make a change, so many are using this as the opportunity to
switch to open solutions that are reliable, cost efficient and secure. This
initiative is supported by leading vendors, including Mainsoft and
Exaltech.

-- Chiphopper Special Interest Community - Designed for x86 Linux
adopters who have already implemented Linux solutions but are looking to
expand to other platforms, including IBM eServer zSeries and Linux on
POWER. They're seeing multi-platform opportunities, especially since
OpenPower entered the market, providing better price performance.

Each special interest community will include information specific to its migration path, such as customer references; whitepapers discussing Linux business and technical advantages; business and technical webcasts and road shows; IBM connection events; migration roadmaps; technical guidance; migration tools; forum links; go-to-market benefits; and more.

New Sales and Marketing Resources Available to Linux ISVs
IBM is now offering comprehensive sales and marketing support, delivered through PartnerWorld Industry Networks that are tailored for ISVs who have enabled their applications on IBM middleware and Linux.

-- Financial Support for Co-Marketing - IBM will provide significant
discounts for co-marketing efforts such as direct mail, advertising, lead
generating campaigns and webcasts.

-- Expanded Sales Coverage Opportunities - Through IBM's Sales Connection
Service, ISVs worldwide who are working an active sales opportunity can
connect with a member of IBM's sales force or a certified business partners
to help close the deal. IBM Sales Connection is designed to help ISVs close
business faster, increase transaction size and gain instant credibility
with new customers.

Initial ISVs supporting Chiphopper include Rocket Software, TeamQuest Corporation, Avokia, Information Builders, Braegen Group, Peregrine Systems, QTech Business Systems, Markus Mayer, and Libelle.

"IBM's Chiphopper offering underscores IBM's commitment to Linux and support of partners," said Information Builders CEO Gerald D. Cohen. "Information Builders is also strategically committed to Linux and is pleased to support Linux, WebSphere and DB2 for Linux on IBM eServer OpenPower, pSeries and JS20 blades. The fact that IBM is so influential and has made a significant investment in the open source movement will increase the value of the Linux market and provide a high degree of assurance for our mutual customers."

"Global Linux adoption in the enterprise, government and mainstream is accelerating globally," said Paul Cormier, executive vice president of engineering, Red Hat. "The ISV ecosystem on Red Hat Enterprise Linux is now comprised of more than 1,000 certified applications. We are excited to work with IBM on the Chiphopper offering to help bring additional support to developers and ISVs working to certify applications on Linux."

"Novell is very focused on reducing barriers to adoption of Linux in the enterprise," said Hal Bennett, vice president, Novell business development. "Making sure key enterprise applications work seamlessly on Linux on leading hardware platforms is a critical component. IBM's eServer Application Advantage for Linux initiative will help drive the development of applications that will run on our SUSE LINUX platform across IBM's eServer line. This is great news for customers who want to leverage the power of Linux."

ISVs can access PartnerWorld Industry Networks at www.ibm.com/isv.

About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/linux.

IBM, the IBM logo, eServer, zSeries, pSeries, iSeries, xSeries, BladeCenter, POWER5, OpenPower, TotalStorage, IBM eServer Application Advantage for Linux, and Chiphopper are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. See http://www.ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml.

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries or both.

All other company/product names and service marks may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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