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January 2000
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The HP
Linux Vision
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Linux Workstation Update
Linux, an open source operating system renowned for its compact kernel, speed, reliability and portability, is
rapidly gaining acceptance in the information technology marketplace. Linux is already established as an operating
system of choice in the ISP, e-commerce application development, and server appliances markets.
Here at HP, we've heard your requests for Linux and the ability to incorporate it into your existing HP
environment. HP believes that open source technologies such as Linux will be critical to enabling an emerging
e-services marketplace, and has taken a leadership role in pursuing one of the most comprehensive open source
strategies in the industry.
Read on for the latest Linux information for HP customers:
Why Use Linux?
Linux is modular, reliable and cost-effective. Modularity means you can add or remove pieces of the OS
environment as necessary. You can even modify the source code yourself if desired. This feature eliminates
the need, as is the case with other OSs, to wait for a next release and can therefore speed up your work.
Modularity means flexibility. It also means reliability, due to a structure that maintains stability even
when one piece fails. And Linux can be downloaded, for free, directly from the Internet to use as-is, or--if
you want to take advantage of support services--can be purchased via various distributions, such as Red Hat.
But, because a license for each system is not necessary, the cost compared to other OSs is relatively low.
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Which Tasks Are Best Suited to Linux?
Linux is an excellent OS to use in web based applications, with file and print servers, in network appliances, for
compute clusters, and for selected design environments. ISPs use Linux because it provides a reliable backbone
for hosting various e-services. Linux can be used for front- and back-end purposes: It can be embedded very
inexpensively in compute appliances, such as Tivo--a computerized VCR--and can be accessed remotely from a
networking environment; meanwhile, the servers needed to support such a service can also run very effectively
on Linux. Using Linux also saves the work needed to build compute appliances because it supports many
different microprocessors and I/O boards. Linux works well with such utilities as Beowolf, which distributes
information from parallelized applications to various CPUs, enabling you to run operations such as graphics
rendering efficiently and inexpensively. The high reliability and low cost of Linux make it ideally suited
for selected design environments as well.
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Is Linux Right for Me?
You should consider adding Linux to your existing environment if…
- …you want a good low-end development environment.
- …you want a modular, reliable, cost-effective system.
- …you want to make use of the tools available in the Linux environment.
- …you're currently using Windows NT and want something a little bit more UNIX-like, but don't want to make the leap to HP-UX.
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How HP Can Help
When you do decide to start using Linux, HP can help in many ways. First, HP offers HP VISUALIZE Workstations
preloaded with Linux. When you purchase these systems, you automatically get the basic support you need to go
along with them during the warranty period. HP offers a additional support options for extended and more
personalized support on new or existing systems to help resolve your problems and provide answers to your questions.
HP also offers such software as E-speak, WebQoS and OpenMail--development, web and messaging applications that
run on the Linux environment.
You also get the benefits of HP's partnerships with companies key to Linux development:
- The Puffin Group is porting Linux to PA-RISC, helping to make Linux ideal for folks who want to get some of the benefits of a Linux environment on their new and existing HP 9000 systems.
- O'Reilly works with HP on creating a Web-based service that supports OpenSource software development, at www.sourceXchange.com.
- Red Hat is the Linux distribution used on our VISUALIZE systems; it provides Linux service and support and is the most widely supported distribution on other HP desktops and servers.
- PSW Technologies provides services including migration, porting, development, quality engineering, and deployment.
- And Cygnus provides development tools for both Linux and HP-UX.
In addition, HP offers classes--both online and in-class--on the use of Linux. For more information on all
HP products and services for Linux, including education, please visit
www.hp.com/go/linux.
You can also find HP at major Linux-related events:
- Linux World Expo, February 1-4, 2000, New York, USA
- Software Developer's Conference West, March 22-24, 2000, San Jose, USA
- Linux Expo--North America, April 10-12, 2000, Montreal, Canada
- InterWorks 2000, April 10-13, 2000, Las Vegas, USA
We invite you to join us at any of these shows to meet with us first-hand and see all the latest and greatest Linux developments.
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What Can I Expect From Linux in the Future?
HP has been playing a leading role in getting Linux ported to IA-64. This work will continue and should be completed in the near future as part of the Trillian project which includes Intel, IBM, Cygnus, CERN and SGI. In addition, you can expect to see other Linux developments:
- Support of 3D graphics
- Higher performance
- Better floating point capabilities
- Larger file size supported
- Porting to PA-RISC systems
- Better support for developing on Linux with deployment on HP-UX
Expect to see Linux used in more compute appliances and other products; to be used extensively by ISPs and Web servers; and to play a significant role in engineering, particularly in university settings.
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How to Purchase Linux
To obtain Linux, HP recommends that you purchase through your HP Sales Representative or HP Authorized Reseller a VISUALIZE system with Linux preloaded. You can also purchase a copy directly from Red Hat at www.redhat.com to run on your existing HP VISUALIZE Personal Workstation.
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Linux: Ask the HP Expert
And, new to "FYI: Just for HP Customers," we have added a service called Ask the HP Experts. If you would like to learn more about HP's plans, advice on running Linux on your HP system, or simply to talk to our resident Linux expert, please click here. We look forward to hearing from you!
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