Red Hat introduce desktop Linux

Open source systems provider Red Hat is to provide an alternative to Microsoft Windows software with the release of a version of the open source Linux operating system for desktop machines.

Announcing the introduction of Red Hat Desktop at a press conference in London, Matthew Szulik, Red Hat Chairman and CEO, discussed how Red Hat's client strategy was forged from the need for choice in the technology industry to drive innovation and forward thinking.

"Open source is now causing the enterprise to question traditional models of software and software availability. This is an architectural alternative that extends from devices, through the network, and into the data centre, deployable and flexible without concern of lock-in."

The Red Hat Desktop is targeted at government, academic and enterprise IT organisations, rather than consumers. It features open source office applications including an email client, browser and office suite.

Future enhancements to Red Hat's desktop strategy will focus on productivity and interoperability with the support of key industry partners. Partners such as VMWare, Real, Macromedia, Adobe and Citrix are working to certify applications to enable cross-functionality with other technologies.

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