News
Corel Claims Downloads of Its Linux OS Exceed 100,000
- By Scott Bekker
- 12/29/1999
Corel Corp. says its flavor of Linux has been downloaded over 100,000 times. Linux, an open source and low cost alternative to present operating systems, offers a Unix-like environment for a variety of servers and desktop systems, including Intel-based machines.
Corel Linux OS is the office productivity-focused company's attempt to plug the holes in Linux desktop usability. By popularizing a Linux desktop, Corel could make strides with its office productivity applications that have struggled to compete against Microsoft Corp.'s Office applications on Microsoft's Windows family of desktop operating systems.
Corel has a long way to go. Microsoft sold more than 85 million copies of Windows clients in 1999, according to estimates by the market research firm International Data Corp. (www.idc.com).
Corel offers its Linux OS as a free download, and also offers versions for sale that come bundled with other Corel applications, including Corel WordPerfect 8 for Linux.
Corel plans to further support Linux by developing full office and graphics suites for Linux. WordPerfect Office should be available in early 2000, and CorelDraw is tentatively scheduled to arrive in summer 2000.
Contact Corel, (888) 267-3548 X5717, www.corel.com
.
About the Author
Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.