SlashSupport Partners with IBM to Launch a Comprehensive Support Model for Open Source Platforms; IBM Linux Leader Program Helps Deliver Open Standards Offering to Customers

SAN JOSE, CA -- Feb. 8, 2005 -- SlashSupport, a pure play advanced technical support company belonging to the San Jose headquartered Cybernet Software Systems (CSS) Group, announced the launch of a global, standards based support delivery model in partnership with IBM. This support model shall provide a scalable remote support organization that will unify a community of open source support providers across the globe to provide a standards based support offering for the enterprise.


According to IDC estimates, the overall Linux marketplace revenues for server and PC hardware and packaged software on Linux is expected to reach US$ 35.7 billion by 2008.

SlashSupport’s “open standards tech support offering” is targeted at desktop and enterprise customers in both the SME and large enterprise segments. The new service offering includes comprehensive technical support, remote monitoring, and capacity planning and system maintenance. SlashSupport’s support offering will provide the missing last-mile “service” link for end users and will enhance the convenience offered by distributors including Red Hat, Debian, Mandrake, SuSE, Turbolinux, Corel, Caldera and Slackware.

As part of the IBM Linux Leader programme in India, SlashSupport will collaborate with IBM’s Linux Center of Competency in Bangalore and integrate the Open Standards Support currently being offered by regional players across the country into one seamless support offering, which will be driven by a uniformly high support standard and customer orientation while capitalising on regional strengths.

Commenting on the launch of Linux tech support services, Shiva Ramani, CEO, SlashSupport said, “Linux installations are rapidly reaching the critical momentum stage, at which all businesses, be it Government or private enterprise, will seek the open standards advantage -- in phase one, at the server side, and gradually in phase two, among desktops.”

Jyothi Satyanathan, Linux Business Manager, ASEAN/SA, IBM said, “It is our belief that organised and reliable support for Linux is a key building block in bringing these solutions to the marketplace. Ongoing support will be the key driver to building a base of referenceable Linux users who will be the best ambassadors for open standards. We believe players like SlashSupport will play a critical role in the creation of a Linux ecosystem in India.”

The relationship between SlashSupport and IBM will address pain points, provide easy access:

-- a single toll-free support number for all Open Standards support needs

-- desktop and server and a three month free support

-- up to 5 support calls at no charge during introductory period.

Through the relationship, IBM customers will get customised support packages that ensures comprehensive support up to L3 support on Open Standards.

On the potential, Shiva added, “Given the current exponential growth of open standards and the fragmented nature of support available, there is huge opportunity for niche players like SlashSupport to deliver Linux support, leveraging on the company’s proven track record in providing global support for products whose applications are all built on Linux.”

Features of SlashSupport’s Open Standards Support Offering

-- One number (877-OPN-LNUX /600-44-OPEN) for comprehensive Open Standards Support

-- 3 month free support offer (5 support calls pack and other options)

-- Variable pricing model -- incident based pricing beyond basic support pack

-- Industry-first SLAs on incident resolution within defined time parameters

-- 24x7 support, with on-site option

-- OSS Assessment Service

-- Porting and migration of products and applications to Linux

-- Services for migrating OSS servers between UNIX/Linux

-- Technical support for Linux/OSS servers

-- Services for rolling out Linux on desktops

-- Global reach through alliance partners

Currently, SlashSupport delivers advanced tech support to global technology majors and their customers, providing Enterprise Technology Application & Product Support, Consumer Technology Application & Product Support and System Management Services.

SlashSupport has over 1600 employees working out of its three tech support facilities in Chennai, India and a redundancy centre in Singapore.

About SlashSupport

SlashSupport is a leading global pure play advanced tech support company founded by the San Jose headquartered Cybernet Software Systems Group (CSS). SlashSupport operates in the advanced technology support space, specializing in both Enterprise and Consumer (SOHO/End user) technology segments.

Founded in 1999, the company has a 100% referenceable client base of over 18 global clients (top 5 clients have a combined revenue in excess of US$ 85 billion per year).

Contact Information

Sandip Deb

Media Contact

SlashSupport Inc.

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