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HP Simplifies Open Source License Process with Novell


WEBWIRE

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb 14, 2006, HP has signed a new open source bundling license agreement with Novell to offer customers a simpler, cost-effective Linux solution on HP servers.

The offering includes integrated open source solutions, technical software and proactive service options that are fully supported and certified on HP ProLiant servers and BladeSystem technologies.

With the Enterprise Linux 8-License Value Pack featuring Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9, HP becomes the only major hardware vendor to offer the same enterprise Linux license packages across one-, two- or four-processor servers.

The offering lowers the cost per CPU (central processing unit) regardless of whether those CPUs are single- or dual-core, physical or virtual. A single license is calculated per server rather than per image, meaning a customer can run multiple instances on virtual machines on the same physical server at no additional charge.

“In the last six months, HP has fortified its Linux on blade solutions capability with the acquisition of RLX and strong partnership announcements,” said Christine Martino, vice president, Open Source and Linux, HP. “Our agreement with Novell is icing on the cake and highlights HP’s ability to bring greater choice, confidence and proven integrated solutions to customers looking to combine the flexibility of open source with the performance of HP technology.”

While ideally suited for the HP BladeSystem, the bundle is available across the entire HP ProLiant product line and can even be applied on multiple servers. Customers also benefit from a single point of contact for hardware and operating systems, acquire HP Systems Insight Manager software for integrated management, and receive virtualization capabilities to help scale to meet needs across the data center - all backed by HP’s worldwide technical and proactive support services.

“The Enterprise Linux 8-License Value pack from HP and Novell is a compelling new option for customers since it marries premier hardware platforms from HP to the industry’s most secure and most scalable Linux operating system, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server,” said Hal Bennett, vice president, Global Partners and Programs, Novell. “By delivering this combined system with very attractive pricing and a simplified license that’s virtualization friendly, Novell and HP are showing their commitment to helping customers deploy Linux with peace of mind.”

The bundle resulted from joint work in the HP BladeSystem Solution Builder program, which allows HP partners to design and develop solutions using HP’s open specifications in order to simplify and accelerate the deployment of blade infrastructures. As part of the program, HP and Novell designed this license structure and expanded the implementation to any HP ProLiant or HP BladeSystem customer.

The convenience of one-stop Linux shopping

HP also will offer two support solutions with the Enterprise Linux 8-License Value Pack: Software Technical Support, which includes up to 24x7 coverage for all software-related incidents; and Proactive Essentials, which includes an account support plan, system health check and advanced notification of upcoming support information.

Customers worldwide can now buy the value pack directly from HP and its channel partners as a standalone product or with HP servers.

HP’s technical support services are available either with one-year or three-year service contract options. The bundle calls for only one subscription number and one part number for all components.

More information on the Enterprise Linux 8-License Value Pack is available at http://www.hp.com/go/sles or http://www.hp.com/go/proliantlinux.

About HP

HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company’s offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended Oct. 31, 2005, HP revenue totaled $86.7 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

Novell SUSE is a registered trademark of Novell Corp.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they ever materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including the expected development, performance or rankings of products or services; statements of expectation or belief; and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the development, performance and market acceptance of products and services and other risks that are described from time to time in HP’s Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2005 and other reports filed after such report. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.



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