Turbolinux Introduces FUJI Desktop Linux Operating System With Enhanced Windows Compatibility

Turbolinux, Inc., a global leader of Linux-based solutions known for state-of-the art technology and cost-effective IT solutions, today announced the highly anticipated release of Turbolinux FUJI Version 11 (FUJI). Turbolinux's new operating system platform is designed for optimum desktop and laptop computer performance. It features several tools to facilitate the use of Windows-based applications on the Turbolinux system, including David(TM) MS Office compatible software, Active Directory Authentication, file sharing, Desktop Search, Turbo Search and other communications tools. The FUJI OS will be available in retail stores in Japan beginning on November 25, 2005.

FUJI is the successor to Turbolinux 10 Desktop (10D), a core Turbolinux desktop product released in October 2003, which spent 52 weeks as a top category seller of Linux operating systems. Turbolinux is also the primary distributor of Linux desktop operating systems with a 90% market share, according to the BCN survey. Designed primarily for the Japanese Linux market, the new FUJI system augments the Windows compatibility features first introduced in 10D, and offers a desktop computing environment with optimized applications, as well as outstanding safety and stability.

"FUJI merges the most exceptional features of both Linux and Windows," said Koichi Yano, president and COO of Turbolinux, Inc. "It offers a singular hybrid operating system that will continue to broaden Linux use in several expanding markets, including corporate, government and educational IT initiatives."

To respond to the Japanese government's October 2005 decision to procure open source software applications and ensure a seamless consumer shift to the Linux platform, Turbolinux has positioned FUJI as a "transition" product that will enhance open source software productivity on applications like Office Suite.

Turbolinux is also initiating an innovative computing endeavor to coincide with the FUJI product launch -- the main OS program will be capable of continuous upgrades via special plug-ins. This will allow Linux users to purchase the core OS and subsequently create personalized setups adding plug-ins that support individual user requirements. In conjunction with the FUJI OS release, Turbolinux has unveiled its first plug-in, "PowerDVD for Linux," produced by CyberLink Corporation.

Highlights of Turbolinux FUJI Version 11

Windows Compatibility

Via an exclusive Japanese market distribution agreement with Philippines-based SpecOps Labs, Inc., Turbolinux has preinstalled SpecOps' David software application in the FUJI platform to respond to market demand for Windows program compatibility on open source Linux systems. MS Office files created in Windows can now be easily opened and edited within the FUJI OS. The FUJI platform augments four aspects of Windows compatibility: Windows operation compatibility; Windows file compatibility; Windows application compatibility, applicable to the David software module; and Windows system compatibility.

Language Upgrades

FUJI offers the latest version of StarOffice's (version 8) application software. The package is the first to include Ricoh TrueType Fonts third and fourth standards as regulation font. And, "ATOK for Linux," which is installed as the Japanese language input module, also elevates OS language proficiencies.

Virus Protection

Turbolinux has incorporated an anti-virus engine developed by information security software leader Kaspersky Lab into its Turbo Anti-Virus program. The application is designed to conduct real-time scans, detecting and removing Window viruses from PC's. FUJI also includes strengthened security features, such as folder encryption functions, Active Directory authentication management for the Linux PC, and features to significantly minimize User Management issues in a mixed Windows/Linux environment.

More Key Features

Additional components of the FUJI OS designed to maximize performance in a hybrid computing environment include Turbo Search, a high-speed desktop search tool for increased productivity; expanded "Control Center" features; wireless LAN capacity; automatic updates for security patches, enhanced broadband features and several other state-of-the-art functions for personal and business users. Turbolinux has already secured an agreement with MCJ Co., Ltd. and continues to aggressively pursue partnerships for FUJI preinstallation and bundling ventures.

FUJI Product Lineup

Turbolinux will release two packages of FUJI for the Japanese market only at this time:

1) Turbolinux FUJI Basic priced at 5,800 Yen (approximately $USD50.00). This package provides basic OS functions, but does not include StarOffice 8, ATOK for Linux, and Turbo Anti-Virus.

2) Turbolinux FUJI priced at 16,800 Yen (approximately $USD145.00). This comprehensive package includes all basic and premium functions.

FUJI Product Release Dates

Retail sales in Japan start on November 25, 2005. The Turbolinux Online Shop at www.turbolinux.co.jp will begin accepting pre-orders between November 11 and November 24, with the first 1,000 customers receiving an original Turbolinux logo product (FUJI Basic orders not eligible). Previous Turbolinux customers may purchase the FUJI full-feature package for a reduced rate. An international product release will be available early first quarter of year 2006.

Turbolinux continues to be in the forefront of the Linux operating environment by focusing on the greatest advantages of Linux -- "low cost and high performance" -- and, by passing those advantages on to consumers in Asia and worldwide. For more information on Turbolinux, visit www.turbolinux.com

About Turbolinux, Inc.

Turbolinux develops and sells the leading Linux distribution in the Asia-Pacific region. The operating system is optimized to run on a wide range of hardware platforms, including Intel-based servers and IBM mainframes. Turbolinux, with headquarters in Japan, plays a major role in developing Linux systems for the Japanese and Asian market, including Japanese and Chinese language "double-byte" text support. More than half of Turbolinux's staff is dedicated to Linux engineering development and support, providing expert support and custom application development services that go beyond Japanese localization issues. Turbolinux works extensively with standards bodies and partners to ensure certification and software compatibility in all business environments. For more information, please visit www.turbolinux.com

Turbolinux is a trademark of Turbolinux, Inc. Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.

Related Articles

• CE Linux Forum Hires Linux Developer Matt Mackall
  Friday, 21 October 2005



• The Free Standards Group Announces the Linux Standard Base Desktop Project
  Thursday, 20 October 2005



• Ubuntu Wins Linux Journal Favourite Linux Award 2005
  Thursday, 20 October 2005



• Linux Industry Unites Behind LSB Desktop Project
  Wednesday, 19 October 2005



• REAL Software Ships REALbasic 2005 Release 4; Update Improves Reliability, Adds Support for Security Enhanced Linux
  Saturday, 15 October 2005



• Red Hat Names Brian Stevens CTO; Former VP of Operating System, Storage and Clustering Team for Red Hat Now to Lead Emerging Technologies Team
  Friday, 14 October 2005



• Ubuntu Linux Wins Best Distribution at UK Linux and Open Source Awards 2005
  Tuesday, 11 October 2005



• University of Stirling Graduates to Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  Friday, 7 October 2005



• Ingram Micro Delivers Linspire's Desktop Linux Products
  Thursday, 6 October 2005



• Wind River Announces Industry's First True Commercial-Grade Linux For Device Manufacturers
  Thursday, 6 October 2005



• Orc Software's Advanced Trading Platform to Support Linux
  Wednesday, 5 October 2005



• Linux Poker and Linux Poker Compatibility Site
  Sunday, 2 October 2005



• Industry Leaders PathScale and Voltaire Sign Agreement on High Performance Grid Backbone and Linux Cluster Solutions
  Saturday, 1 October 2005



• Scalix Adds Leading Linux and Email Partner
  Friday, 30 September 2005



• IBM, Red Hat and Trusted Computer Solutions Team to Deliver Most Secure Version of Linux Available
  Thursday, 29 September 2005

Recent Issues