ZDNet Acquires Linux Hardware Database
Aug 24, 2000 — by Rick Lehrbaum — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 1 viewsSan Francisco — (press release) — ZDNet, which operates the leading network of Web sites for people who want to buy, use and learn about technology, today announced that it has acquired Linux Hardware Database (www.linhardware.com), the leading Linux hardware support resource, from Cambridge, MA based DataPower Technology, Inc.
According to International Data Corp., the entire Linux market, including embedded Linux, is expected to reach more than $11 billion by 2001. By sector, hardware is expected to total $6 billion in 2001 and embedded software is likely to amount to $5.2 billion. Linux Hardware Database is ZDNet's second Linux acquisition. Last April, ZDNet acquired LinuxDevices.com, the definitive content and community site for Linux as an embedded system. Between the two, ZDNet is now able to address information and community needs related to both the fast-growing hardware and embedded software segments of the Linux marketplace.
The acquisition is representative of ZDNet's strategy to create the ultimate user experience by providing the full spectrum of information, services, commerce and community opportunities, across a broad array of technology verticals. Linux Hardware Database and LinuxDevices will be integrated with ZDNet's Linux Resource Center, which currently includes Linux-focused news, reviews, opinion, software downloads, job opportunities, whitepapers, company information, help and how-to information and more.
“Quality Linux content is in demand with our IT audience,” said David Berlind, general manager of ZDNet's Business Enterprise Division. “The ZDNet Linux Resource Center, like the nearly two dozen other small business and IT resource centers in our Business & Technology channel, combines ZDNet's best information and services with quality offerings secured through acquisitions and strategic alliances. Linux Hardware Database's detailed information and specifications on Linux-compatible hardware, combined with its community ratings of products, will offer valuable guidance to our audience of discerning resellers and IT professionals.”
Linux Hardware Database provides users with the resources they need to select the right hardware products for use under Linux, configure existing hardware for optimal use under Linux, and discuss Linux hardware issues and experiences with other users. It offers hardware ratings, drivers, specifications, user reports, workarounds and links to related resources. Its LhD: Rated Linux Compatible program provides resellers with dynamically updated Linux compatibility scores based on community-driven data collected through the Linux Hardware Database and partner sites. Product ratings come from actual Linux users who contribute product satisfaction reports and configuration suggestions.
“Ultimately, this Web site removes the guesswork for resellers as they decide which hardware to stock and recommend for use under Linux,” Berlind added. “In addition, it is a value to all Linux users who are enhancing their hardware systems or building new systems from scratch, serving as a guide to Linux hardware compatibility.”
About ZDNet (www.zdnet.com)
ZDNet operates the world's leading Web destination for people who want to buy, use, and learn about technology, part of a global network of technology-focused sites produced through local operations in 23 countries, and in 14 languages. Winner of the Computer Press Association's Best Overall Online Site Award for two years in a row, ZDNet Sites consistently ranks among the top 20 Web properties in the United States in unique visitor reach, and the top 15 among the “At Work” audience, according to Media Metrix. ZDNet's headquarters are in San Francisco.
About DataPower Technology, Inc. (www.datapower.com)
DataPower is a leading provider of b2b-aware network infrastructure solutions, pioneering patent-pending innovations including XSLJIT and DataGlue. DataPower's solutions address the long-standing problems of e-content and transaction exchange between disparate business systems. XSLJIT is the first just-in-time compiler for XML-to-XML and XML-to-HTML translations. DataGlue, a network-grade dynamic data exchange kernel, enables change-tolerant data interchange and B2B switching. DataPower is based in Cambridge, MA.
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NOTE: This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Although Ziff-Davis Inc. and ZDNet believe that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those expectations. Important cautionary statements and risk factors that would affect actual results are discussed in materials filed by Ziff-Davis Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Ziff-Davis Inc. Proxy Statement dated February 7, 2000 and in the Form S-3 filed with the SEC on April 25, 2000. Holders of ZD Group Stock and ZDNet Stock are common stockholders of Ziff-Davis Inc. and are subject to the risks associated with an investment in Ziff-Davis Inc. and all of its businesses, assets and liabilities.
Ziff-Davis and CNET have filed with the SEC a proxy statement and other relevant documents concerning their planned merger. We urge you to read the proxy statement / prospectus and any other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC, because they contain important information. You can obtain these documents free of charge at the SEC's Web site, www.sec.gov. You may also inspect documents filed with the SEC by Ziff-Davis at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. The joint press release relating to the merger filed with the SEC on July 19, 2000 contains information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and their ownership of Ziff-Davis and CNET stock.
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