SAN MATEO (02/18/2000) - Linux GUI development company formedLinux on the desktop may soon get a boost as a group of veteran programmers, including former Mac OS developer Andy Hertzfeld, have formed a company to develop a much-needed graphical interface for the open-source OS. The company, called Eazel, is creating the interface using the existing Gnome graphical interface for Linux as its foundation. Hertzfeld and his team will reportedly develop the software under the open-source model, making it free, and Eazel will depend heavily on services for its revenues.
Sun-Netscape rolls out portal platform
The Sun-Netscape Alliance next week will introduce its iPlanet Portal Server, giving companies an out-of-the-box package for portal deployment that includes membership services, personalization services, security, and integration services. The Portal Server is targeted toward e-commerce portals and has three options: iPlanet Portal Server, for local enterprise administration; a Service Provider Edition, with additional hosting features; and a Custom Netcenter Hosted Service, which gives businesses access to preformatted content, such as news or stock quotes, in a portal hosted by America Online and Netscape. Custom NetCenter is available now for $9.75 per user; iPlanet Portal Server and the Service Provider Edition will be available in the spring of 2000.
Oracle porting 8i Release 2 database
Oracle is preparing two new versions of its Oracle 8i Release 2 database, adding support for the diametrically opposed worlds of Windows 2000 and Linux.
Release 2 of the flagship database adds support for Java 2 and XML, as well as extended security features. A free download will be available within the next 30 days through the Oracle Technology Network Web site at technet.oracle.com.
EDS and Motive spin support Web
Professional services giant EDS has teamed up with Motive Communications in a bid to leverage the Web for end-user IT support. The deal, announced this week, calls for EDS to implement and maintain Motive's Web-based support software at customer sites. The Motive desktop software includes automated analysis tools for diagnosing problems and passing data to remote IT support staff. Motive counts among its current customers Dell, Compaq, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, Visa, Kmart, and Disney. EDS will deploy Motive Solo, a self-service application for end-user-initiated troubleshooting; and Motive Duet, an automated, browser-based service application that communicates client information via the Web or e-mail. Motive ActiveLink will facilitate interactions among support staff, and Motive Studio will provide a development environment for service applications.
HP offers insurance policies for dot-comsHewlett-Packard this week unveiled a new "revenue protection" insurance policy package for companies gun-shy after the rash of denial of service Web attacks.
HP teamed up with Lloyds, an affiliate of London-backed underwriter J.S.
Wurzler; and Interex, a Sunnyvale, Calif.-based association of HP users, to offer new insurance rates to Internet companies, which can lose as much as $110,000 per hour if attacked. HP in May will offer the program in two different rate packages. For companies with annual revenues of $30 million to $100 million, HP is offering revenue coverage of $1 million that carries an annual premium of $23,000 and a $50,000 deductible.