Taipei, Taiwan — (press release excerpt) — embedded Linux software solution provider Coventive Technologies today announced formation of a new business unit to take on the emerging server appliance market.

The server appliance market is a new and growing computer product segment which represents a clear departure from general-purpose servers. Server appliances are non-programmable, network-enabled, sealed servers, which are pre-configured for a specific application or set of functions, such as a file/print server or an email server. Server appliances offer the advantages of being easier to use and install (usually plug-and-play), more reliable due to its dedicated functionality, higher performance due to its use of streamlined operating systems and usually less expensive than general purpose servers. Industry analyst IDC estimates that the server appliance market will top $11.5 billion by 2004.

Coventive will leverage its recognized expertise in supplying total embedded Linux solutions to information appliance manufacturers, and offer open source solutions and joint engineering services to hardware manufacturers and/or product developers of server appliances. The new business unit builds on the company's successful server appliance initiatives completed in 2000, including a total server appliance solution delivered to Gigabyte, a dominant motherboard manufacturer. Roland Chen, previously the company's director of sales, has been named to the post of general manager of Coventive's Server Appliance Business Unit.

“We are very excited about entering into the promising new server appliance market,” said Randy Tan, CEO of Coventive Technologies. “The key to powering all post-PC era products, be they information appliances or server appliances, will be the embedded software, and Coventive will be at the forefront of that business, fully utilizing the unique advantages of open source software.”

Coventive's software solutions for server appliances are Linux operating system based, and optimized for manufacturers' chosen hardware platforms. Coventive's solutions expertise will focus on multi-function appliances, home server gateways, high availability servers and rack-mount server appliances, which target the burgeoning SOHO (small office/home office), work group, remote office and mobile office IT markets. Unique features which Coventive will incorporate into its product designs include rescue systems, remote appliance management capability, software upgradeability, and web-based servicing. Application software can also be integrated for the ASP market.

 
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