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Hewlett-Packard Company
19111 Pruneridge Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
www.hp.com/go/linux

HP Embraces Open Source and Linux for E-Services

preface

Linux, the flagship open source technology, has moved quickly to the forefront of viable operating system choices for IS departments with a need to deploy cost-effective workgroup and departmental solutions such as e-mail, file-'n'-print, and Web services. Aberdeen finds that increasingly Linux is being used at the divisional and corporate levels for these functions. Linux has been particularly popular with ISPs, as well as development groups readying e-business offerings. Knowledgeable IS folk are looking to it as an OS platform upon which to build solutions that deliver competitive advantage.

Initial reports of its high reliability, performance, and scalability characteristics have been noted by the more innovative among IS shops that are beginning deployment of Linux-based solutions in e-commerce, applications development, and intranet applications. Having access to source code allows businesses to "tune" Linux for individual competitive business needs. Aberdeen fully expects that as more high-end features make their way into Linux, its use will proliferate throughout the enterprise. IT managers are already tracking its progress.

Key to Linux's success in the enterprise space is support for the operating system from the major system vendors with which global 2000 firms already have strong ties. In this Profile, Aberdeen examines the current state of HP's new Open Source Solutions Operation, a group dedicated to pushing Linux forward as a strong alternative OS for building and powering e-services.

executive summary

HP continues to be a top-tier player in Unix/NT systems and integration services, a leader in Windows-based workstations, and the de facto standard in printers. After upsetting customers with its decision to phase-out PA-RISC, to its credit HP reversed its stance and declared PA-RISC once again viable. Equally positive is HP's diligent effort to improve the company's Internet solutions, services, and product lineup.

In March 1999, HP realigned itself into two independent companies - HP Computing and Imaging, and HP Measurement (newly renamed Agilent Technologies). HP Computing and Imaging includes Inkjet Products Group, Enterprise Computing Solutions Organization, LaserJet Solutions Group, and Personal Systems Group. HP Measurement - in addition to including the medical and chemical-analysis offerings - also includes its communications products and services offerings for the Internet. Communications technologies in which HP holds a leadership position include fiber optic, wireless, and optoelectronics.

With this realignment comes a newly defined strategic focus - e-services. HP defines e-services as those services that both businesses and home consumers will purchase over the Web as use of the Internet matures globally. HP further believes that the "utilities" - systems that will allow such services to be offered - will be constructed in a modular "building block" manner, based upon a finite number of operating systems (of which Linux is one). Commensurate with the newly formed company and new strategy, HP moved to position itself in the open source arena with the creation of the Open Source Solutions Operation (OSSO) under the Enterprise Computing Organization.

HP is making the right moves with its evolving Linux strategy. OSSO is coordinating the efforts of HP systems, services, and software divisions worldwide. It is making a concerted, ongoing effort to ensure that its customers understand that Linux is a viable alternative for powering e-services. The open source model for software development means that the pace of enhancements to services for customers can proceed at Web speed rather than be tied to a "software provider release date." Businesses can opt to leverage the open source development community at large in their efforts to build the "utilities" - i.e., systems that will allow the delivery of e-services. Indeed, HP views the open source model as key to its own rising success and has announced its commitment to open source key elements of its OpenMail and e-speak technologies.

OSSO plays a key role in HP's recent moves to present a unified HP front to customers. Indeed, customer perceptions of HP as a potential e-services partner are rising. OSSO is essentially a lightning rod for change as HP augments its systems vendor strengths with more innovative business models based on Internet services and solutions. Those firms that have already embraced Linux, or are looking to do so, will find that HP is positioning itself to help them succeed in deploying Linux-based solutions in electronic business infrastructures.

Aberdeen expects that HP's Linux strategy will pick up even more speed over the next year, based on the following factors:

• More product moves to the just announced Linux 2.2 kernel-based distribution offering from Red Hat;
• An expansion in the number of HP systems offerings supporting Linux;
• Growth in the number of Linux applications and solution sets within its portfolio;
• An expansion of its solid Linux services and support base to include on-site support and service - with Linux achieving parity with other HP-supported offerings;
• Growth in the portfolio of Linux tools for programming productivity and new efforts in co-development of Linux-based applications;
• Growth in the number of partners that add Linux to their lineup; and
• Expansion of its new Linux training efforts to include more courses.

OSSO: the driving force behind hp's Linux strategy

OSSO is driving HP's systems, software, services, and peripherals support for Linux as a viable complement to HP-UX-based e-services. In other words, HP-UX platforms underlie the mission-critical data center - with distributed Linux systems handling outlying needs at the workgroup and departmental level. Just as important, Linux is viewed as a cost-effective software development platform for Unix-based systems, including its own HP-UX version. (HP considers NT to also be a viable complement to HP-UX-based e-services; however, HP's NT strategy is not the focus of this Profile.)

Recognizing that ISPs, ISVs, and corporate enterprises all share a need for infrastructure servers and development desktops, HP is moving quickly to position Linux as a strong platform for dedicated or limited-purpose application environments. OSSO is aware of the growing role for Linux within ISPs and enterprises for hosting Web infrastructure services - such as firewalls, proxy/caching, virtual private networks, and domain name services. In the area of proxy caching, HP has contributed enhancements to the popular Squid open source caching software.

development productivity tools coming soon

Ensuring Linux's viability for the long haul means making sure that the necessary tools are available as quickly as possible. HP is pledging support for Linux APIs on HP-UX and has engaged Cygnus to port its popular GNU productivity tools to provide a common toolbox across NT, Linux, and HP-UX. These moves provide common APIs and common developer tools for Linux and HP-UX. This is an additional positive factor for Linux in the programming tools arena, as it comes on the heels of Intel's engaging Cygnus to update the default Linux compiler, GNU's GCC, with support for the newer Intel chips. Importantly, this new support includes MMX multimedia instructions and SSE instructions. Aberdeen believes the coming tools provide a boost for software that is recompiled to run on Linux as well as a base improvement in overall operating system performance. This trend is all the more impressive given that Linux is already getting strong performance reviews from users. Cygnus also plans timely expansion of its tools to the IA-64 space, so HP customer needs are covered there, too.

Linux systems strategy in gear

Initial systems efforts are organized around those arenas defined by HP as strategic to the targeted customer base for open source products - groups providing or developing Internet-based service offerings for both business and home consumers.

• NetServer support for Linux continues to expand: The NetServer E60, LPr, LC3, LH3, LH4, and LXr8000 NetServers can be ordered with factory-installed Linux through HP's Global Installation and Integration Operation (GIIO). Red Hat Linux 6.0 is the factory-installed and supported distribution - the 6.0 version contains the upgraded kernel with SMP, even faster comm stacks, and new GNOME interface. Red Hat is working with HP to provide HP customers with the support and service needed. At present, the Red Hat distribution is supported in North America and Europe - with plans to expand to Japan and Asia Pacific by year's end. To ensure customer choice, other Linux distributions can be utilized with NetServer. GIIO will install them for the customer, or the customer can elect to self-install.
• A native port of Linux to PA-RISC: Rather than pursuing an internal effort to port PA-RISC, HP has wisely chosen to support the burgeoning open source software community by facilitating a development effort headed by The Puffin Group. A software-development and consulting firm based in Ottawa, The Puffin Group initiated the PA-RISC porting project in part to showcase open source software development. Initial porting efforts target the HP 9000 A-Class Enterprise servers. The Puffin Group is receiving equipment and technical resources from HP, but no actual monetary compensation. An additional bonus for the PA-RISC port is the participation of programmer Alan Cox as adviser; Mr. Cox is widely viewed in the Linux community as a key member of the Linux kernel team.
• Current Kayak Workstations XA, XA-s, and XU PC Workstation have been optimized for Linux: Although formal support for Linux on Kayak has not yet been announced, Aberdeen anticipates formalized HP support in the near future. For the moment, HP is providing full hardware address specifications for all subsystems as well as a list of Linux drivers developed by a major HP customer - the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN).
• HP is responding to substantial interest in Linux from the EDA market sector: The HP VISUALIZE PL450 and XL550 can be ordered with factory-installed Red Hat 6.0.
• HP is one of the key contributors to the IA-64 Linux effort: The core kernel and system optimization technologies that HP is providing to IA-64 are expected to become part of the Linux source tree. It is the participants' intention that Linux on IA-64 will be ready to ship with the first available systems based on the IA-64 architecture. With HP playing one of the key roles, Linux's place as an operating system of choice on future Intel-based platforms is assured.

Linux software strategy gaining momentum

In parallel with HP's systems strategy, HP is working hard to ensure that its own key software technologies are available on Linux in a timely fashion. HP is testing many of its application binaries to ensure that they run smoothly on top of Linux. In some cases, HP will release application source code under an appropriate open source license. Here, too, initial efforts are organized around software offerings deemed strategic to early Linux adopters - those customer groups providing or developing Internet-based service offerings for home and business consumers.

• Web server optimization: HP is taking a two-pronged approach here. In addition to supporting its proprietary Zeus Web server, HP is working to tune and optimize the performance of the popular open source Apache Web Server.
• OpenMail support for Linux: The enterprise's heterogeneous environments of HP-UX, AIX, and Solaris will be expanded to include Linux. OpenMail for Linux will be available in September. Support of Linux further underscores HP's responsiveness to enterprise needs for robust messaging and collaborative tools. (A free beta release candidate is available at www.hp.com/go/openmail.) In addition, HP will make Linux OpenMail available as part of the Red Hat Linux distribution.
• OpenView's network management product family is going Linux: A heterogeneous IS shop that now includes Linux can be hampered by a lack of compatible network management tools. HP's Openview is working to solve this lack of compatibility. Linux support for IT/Operations and OpenView OmniBack 3.1 is available. Also being ported to Linux is Network Node Manager.
• Service-level management products, aimed at helping Linux sites maintain the same high levels of service quality management available with HP-UX, are arriving. The Firehunter service-level management software is now available under Red Hat's 6.0 distribution. Web QoS, which provides peak usage management, user prioritization, and integration with network QoS products, is available on Linux and is currently being bundled with the Red Hat distribution.
• Server peripheral management using HP Web JetAdmin5.1 has been available to U.S.-based Linux users since early 1999. Already supporting multiples of server platforms that include Windows NT, HP-UX, and Sun Solaris, the addition of Linux shows HP again easing the path of infrastructure administrators desiring IA-32 Linux-based servers.

hp's e-services + O'Reilly = "sourceXchange"

Recognizing that the time had come for a new open software development model, Hewlett-Packard decided to step out and lead. HP and O'Reilly recently introduced sourceXchange, a Web-based service that has the potential to significantly impact the way in which software is developed by expediting collaboration between corporations and developers. SourceXchange will operate as a service of Collab.net, an affiliate of O'Reilly. O'Reilly is a long-time Internet promoter and participant; in fact, founder Tim O'Reilly produced the first commercial information interface to the Web, GNN, which he later sold to AOL.

SourceXchange will be a "powered by HP" e-service. The two companies plan to beta launch the service now with an array of open source development projects from HP that expand HP's commitment to open source technologies. To date, 1,400 developers have registered at the site. Pending a successful beta launch, sourceXchange will accept projects from other enterprise sponsors. By being willing to underwrite the beta portion of sourceXchange, HP is acknowledging open source development as a new and needed resource.

worldwide support and training

Foreseeing burgeoning support needs for IA-32-based Linux systems, HP has instituted 24×7 phone-in and electronic support on a worldwide basis for the four major commercial distributions of Linux: Red Hat, SuSE, Pacific HiTech, and Caldera Systems. Specific support features include:

• Unlimited, toll-free, phone-in software assistance with two-hour response-time commitment and immediate response for critical calls;
• Electronic software call submittal with a choice of response time frames;
• Remote software support by HP engineers;
• Support for multiple vendor platforms, including Compaq, IBM, and Dell; and
• Free 24×7 electronic access to a database of problem-solving information, including FAQs, patches, etc.

In terms of Linux education, HP is addressing the needs of both Unix and NT experienced individuals. HP is also combining Web-based training with the traditional classroom approach. The Web-based training offers students a choice: take a class online at their own pace, or elect to take an instructor-hosted class. ("Instructor-hosted" means that the student views material online while listening to the instructor via a second audio connection.) Now available are eight Linux classes on topics ranging from systems administration to Web serving to security. All classes are available at HP Education Centers or can be administered at the customer's site upon request.

HP has always viewed its channel partners as key to company growth. Indeed, about half of HP's enterprise sales pass through its partners. Aberdeen expects HP's new OSSO to work diligently to engage not just its key resellers but also systems integrators and ISPs in recognizing Linux's potential - and in becoming proactive in providing customer solutions. Programs already in place include:

• The HP Solutions Provider Program provides a testing lab equipped with HP Intel-based hardware where partners can pursue developing Linux-based solution sets.
• Linux technical support, including help with porting/migration, for all HP Solution Provider Program members. Discounts are available on any Linux-based equipment.
• The HP Covision Program that focuses specifically on vendors providing Internet solution sets and services. Red Hat became a strategic partner in January 1999. In March 1999, Covision also struck a partnership pact with Informix, announcing a Linux/NT database application.

In the near future, Aberdeen expects that HP's Web-based training for channel partners - which provides instant access to sales training and technical information - will be expanded to include Linux information.

why hp's Open Source participation and offerings are important

Major enterprises recognize that the time for an e-business-based model of relating to prospects, customers, and suppliers has arrived. In order for major enterprises to engage Linux in this bet-your-business move, Linux must have major vendor support. Old-line systems vendors with whom major enterprises have established relationships need to support Linux. HP is on the short list for most major businesses. In moving to support the developing open source model, HP is signaling its intent to assist businesses electing this competitive route to prosper.

All enterprises with an interest in capitalizing on Linux as a low-cost, reliable, robust OS with increasingly greater range in scalability should put HP on the short list. HP's Open Source and Solutions Operation (OSSO) is positioned to provide more and more of the solutions sets, service and support, and training and educa- tion needed for enterprises to employ Linux. Better management and control of Web-based businesses and services can be accomplished with HP's help. In short, Aberdeen believes that HP understands - and is positioned to deliver - what it will take to make Linux a key OS player in Web commerce.

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Copyright © 1999 Aberdeen Group, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts

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