Compaq and Red Hat Expand UNIX-Linux Compatibility, And Unveil Linux-Ready Desktop PCs and Workstations

HOUSTON, June 8, 1999 - Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) and Red Hat , Inc. today announced a joint development and marketing agreement which will result in enhanced interoperability and compatibility between Compaq Tru64 UNIX and the Red Hat Linux operating system.

Compaq also announced the availability of additional Linux-ready platforms, certified under Red Hat Linux V6.0, on selected Compaq Deskpro EP, EN and EN SFF personal computers, and AP, SP, and XP Professional Workstation models. Additional plans include the availability of Red Hat Linux V6.0 pre-installed on Deskpro Series personal computers in the near future. The desktop and workstation offerings announced today complement Compaq's previously announced Linux support on the AlphaServer 800, DS10, DS20 and ES40 systems, the ProLiant 400, 1600 and 1850R servers and the Prosignia 720 server, and the Compaq Professional Workstation XP1000.

The technology initiatives of the Compaq/Red Hat agreement will focus on design and development to maximize the performance and ease of installation of Red Hat Linux on Compaq AlphaServers, ProLiant and Prosignia servers, and desktop personal computer and workstation hardware platforms; to optimize and enhance the user-friendly features of Linux; and to expand compatibility and interoperability with Compaq's Tru64 UNIX.

Marketing initiatives will involve Compaq's ActiveAnswers and Red Hat's Kick Start programs, and will focus on training for the Compaq sales force and channel partners; documentation and tools to improve serviceability, performance, and ease of installation; and customer-focused activities such as seminars, trade shows, and telemarketing. Appropriate support for these joint solutions will also be provided by customer call centers at both companies, as well as a comprehensive Compaq Linux Web site (http://www.compaq.com/linux).

``This agreement with Red Hat and the newest offerings of Linux on the desktop will enable us to deliver the appropriate mix of Tru64 UNIX and Linux so that customers can achieve seamless interoperability, compatibility, availability, and scalability to meet the full range of their enterprise computing needs,'' said Enrico Pesatori, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, Compaq's Enterprise Computing Group.

``Compaq is an industry leader in the breadth and depth of its commitment to Red Hat Linux,'' said Bob Young, CEO of Red Hat. ``The kind of enhanced interoperability and compatibility between environments that this announcement provides will offer enterprise users more options as they move to adopt the power, reliability, and flexibility of Linux.''

Joyce Becknell, an analyst at the Aberdeen Group, said ``this announcement highlights Compaq's commitment to a strategic relationship with Linux vendors, and gives Linux additional credibility in the eyes of corporate users who are investigating Linux solutions for the enterprise.''

Compaq and Red Hat executives indicated that a key goal of this expanded relationship is to ensure that programs can be created in a single source code implementation, compiled on either Compaq Tru64 UNIX or Red Hat Linux, and enable the creation and sharing of binary programs across the two operating systems on the Alpha architecture. This allows customers to exploit the unique benefits of both operating systems by enabling customers to mix and match as their business needs require. In addition, the agreement will provide for the testing and refining of Red Hat software to ensure strong performance and improved customer installation experience on Compaq AlphaServers, ProLiant and Prosignia servers, personal computers, and workstations.

Company Background Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of computers systems. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, enterprise and network storage solutions, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are available at http://www.compaq.com/.

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