Linux is adopted for defensive role

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Nov 29, 2005

Thales is to deploy Red Hat Enterprise Linux software in its embedded defence systems.

Thales has entered into a hardware partner agreement with Red Hat, the world's leading open source and Linux provider.

Under the agreement, Thales will deploy Red Hat Enterprise Linux software in embedded defence systems.

Thales computers activities also acts as a reseller for Red Hat Enterprise Linux and other Red Hat solutions when specific defence and security markets are serviced by the Thales group.

"Associating Red Hat and Thales, this agreement is the first of its kind to bridge business-critical Linux technology with proven expertise of long-term programme requirements found in defence and security applications", said Alain Albarello, General Manager of Thales' computers activities.

"In the embedded market where the COTS user needs to manage multiple suppliers to solve complex support issues, this type of partnership builds the foundation from which more integrated long-term support services between suppliers can be built".

In addition to being afforded preferred pricing, the partnership allows Thales Computers to offer several levels of support depending on the customer's needs, including full platform support where a product's computer hardware, software and the operating systems are maintained as a single entity by Thales, backed up by Red Hat third level support experts.

This saves customers valuable time by eliminating the need to contact multiple vendors for assistance.

Scott Crenshaw, Senior Director for Enterprise Linux, Red Hat commented: "The partnership effectively combines all our technology and market experience into a cohesive and carefully tailored customer offering".

"Not only will businesses enjoy the lower total cost of ownership that comes from the higher degree of stability provided by Linux, they also benefit from better levels of customer care and support across the entire platform resulting from having just a single, consolidated point of reference for both hardware and software vendor", he continued.