Opennet introduces Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 to Middle East

"Red Hat sees a huge market potential in Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and the middleware market in these countries," said David Allinson, General Manager, Opennet MEA. "The new Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 5.0 provides CIOs and IT managers with the means to reduce costs while improving operational flexibility throughout their computing infrastructure."

Some of the key benefits of RHEL 5 include Virtualization, provided in all Server products and optionally available for Client products; Storage and extended server virtualization; support for virtualized guest operating systems and virtualization manager, and management tools. RHEL 5 offers seamless upgrade from previous Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions along with excellent scalability.

"Upgrading the existing Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS, ES and WS installation to the new version couldn't be easier," pointed out Ons Mrabet, Sales Manager, Opennet MEA. "Existing subscription already entitles the user to version 5, and they will be able to access the appropriate distribution channels when they login to Red Hat Network. All they need is to simply download the new version and install it."

The new Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 also provides transition of previous Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS, ES, WS and Red Hat Desktop offerings with simplified server and client products. Added SELinux security enhancements in the new version include Multi-Level Security and targeted policies for all services; SEtroubleshooter GUI that simplifies SELinux management; integrated directory and security capabilities; IPSEC enhancements for improved security and performance and ExecShield enhancements, such as a call frame Canary word and strengthened hacker defenses. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5's new audit features provide powerful new search/reporting and real-time monitoring.

In the new Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Desktop, enhancements include updated configuration tools, applications, and laptop support. It also comes with Foundational Stateless Linux features (autoconfigure, NetworkManager, etc.), improved ACPI support with features such as suspend to disk, Smart card login with PKI/Kerberos authentication, integrated multimedia support, and enhanced plug and play hardware support (cameras, printers, scanners, etc.). Network Manager also provides automatic wired and wireless network configuration

Red Hat's meetings this month with Opennet's key partners and customers in Saudi Arabia and UAE are aimed at helping them accelerate their businesses by sharing with them information on how to shift to SOA and the next generation of web-enabled applications running on a low-cost, secure open source platform.