Unlocking the potential with open source

How can the combination of virtualization with open source platform

benefit enterprises from a CIOs perspective?



We think from the customers point, that he doesnt have to buy anything new

or extra. This is because the capabilities already exists with the customer,

since he is using the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (RHEL5). In case, the customer

has subscribed Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 (RHEL4), he can easily upgrade to

RHEL5 as per our policy, which allows upgradation for the subscription period.

So, once he unlocks that potential, he is going to get returns on investments.

All the CIOs know that normally a server is utilized 30% because if it goes

beyond 50-60%, then every administrative charge jumps up and for that the CIO

needs an extra server. With such kind of utilization, theres the unutilized

capacity. Now, this unutilized capacity can be utilized with virtualization

technology. By virtualization of servers, the customer can work with multiple

operating systems, using the same existing hardware at no extra cost.

For the AMC (annual maintenance cost), the same vendor can provide service to

the customer and the same hardware is used by the customer, it helps to save

cost on AMC.

How secured is Open Source platform and virtualization for enterprises?



Open source is becoming synonymous with security. Typically at Red Hat, we

have a security projectSecurity Enhanced Linux (SEL), which is integrated with

our operating systems. Its been offered on physical servers and the same kind

of security is offered on the virtualized environments also. For example, the

RHEL5 comes with SEL certification of EAL4 level. Suppose you are doing simple

task like FTP, then it already has the security cover as its inbuilt and

available on the virtual platform the same way it is present on the physical

servers. Hence, the customer is not charged extra for the security.

Can you tell us about the Microsoft, Red Hat agreement on

interoperability?



Recently, we announced an interoperability agreement with Microsoft, where

we have assured to support each others customers need and environments in

future. Its a great step as we agreed to support the customers choice and

respect the freedom of choice to use technology.

Pankaj Maru/CMN



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