| Contact Information:
Christopher Beard
Mike Balma
Marc Torres |
 |
For Immediate Release
ATLANTA, GEORGIA -- October 14th, 1999
Hewlett-Packard Company and The Puffin Group announce that, in conjunction with the 1999 Atlanta Linux Showcase (ALS), they will be hosting the PA-RISC/Linux PuffinFest. This event will take place between October 12th through October 17th, and will further the port of Linux to HP's PA-RISC line of HP 9000 UNIX servers.
True to the nature of the Open Source development model, PA-RISC/Linux developers are scattered across the globe, making their homes in countries as geographically dispersed as Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and the United States. This "PuffinFest" gives these developers a chance to meet in a single place, with all the equipment and facilities they need to advance the development process as far and as fast as they can.
Hewlett-Packard and The Puffin Group are providing developers with a private and secure development lab, internet access, hardware, and the documentation necessary to continue with the next stages of the project's development. The two companies have also covered the travel expenses for the developers. In addition, participating developers will also attend the Atlanta Linux Showcase conference to continue expanding their knowledge base and share their own experience with attendees.
Several HP engineers will be attending the PuffinFest, bringing a wealth of first-hand knowledge that will provide a melding of corporate and Open Source development expertise.
"We are excited to support this Open Source effort and extend HP's cooperation with The Puffin Group and Open Source developers from around the world. And since this is an Open Source project the world will be able to see the results of the efforts immediately on the web (www.thepuffingroup.com/parisc)", said Mike Balma, of HP's Open Source Solutions Operation.
"Through its sponsorship, HP again demonstrates its dedication and commitment to supporting Linux and Open Source development." said Christopher Beard of The Puffin Group, "With strong support shown from the community and the thousands of people monitoring the project's progress on the web site, this PuffinFest brings together developers, in a face-to-face-setting, building teamwork and significantly accelerating development."
"For the third year in a row we at ALS have provided the atmosphere for innovation in the Linux and Open Source software communities such as The Puffin Group's project to port Linux to the HP 9000." says Marc Torres the shows President, "We are proud to act as a gathering point for Open Source developers from around the world."
Progress of the port will be demonstrated and updated daily by PA-RISC/Linux developers at HP's booth at the Atlanta Linux Showcase and on the project's web site at https://www.thepuffingroup.com/parisc.
About The Puffin Group
The Puffin Group is a privately held company specializing in Linux and Open
Source software development and consulting. The Puffin Group has a strategic
partnership with Hewlett-Packard Company to provide a native port of Linux to
their PA-RISC architecture and holds two seats on Corel Corporation's Linux
Advisory Council. The Puffin Group is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and has
recently expanded its operation with the opening of a development office within
the heart of Ottawa's historic Byward Market. For more information about The
Puffin Group, see https://www.thepuffingroup.com.
About Hewlett-Packard Company
Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging
solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on
the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.
HP plans to launch Agilent Technologies as an independent company by mid-calendar 2000. Agilent consists of HP's test and measurement, semiconductor products, chemical analysis and healthcare solutions businesses, and has leading positions in multiple market segments.
HP has 123,500 employees worldwide and had total revenue of $47.1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at https://www.hp.com.
About Atlanta Linux Showcase
The Atlanta Linux Showcase was founded in 1996 by a group of 12 volunteers with
the belief that education of the general public on the use of Linux is a key
factor to it's success. Towards this end, ALS provides an outlet for
technically experienced individuals to share their expertise. The Atlanta Linux
Showcase is a annual event organized and run by a volunteer group of computer
professionals wishing to help promote Linux. ALS is run entirely by volunteers,
and Atlanta Linux Showcase, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation. For more
information about the Atlanta Linux Showcase, see https://www.linuxshowcase.org.