Unlocking the potential with open source

How can the combination of virtualization with open source platform
benefit enterprises from a CIOs perspective?

We think from the customer's point, that he doesn't have to buy anything new or
extra. This is because the capabilities already exist with the customer, since
he is using the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (RHEL5). In case, the customer has
subscribed Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 (RHEL4), he can easily upgrade to RHEL5 as
per our policy, which allows upgradation for the subscription period. So, once
he unlocks that potential, he is going to get returns on investments.

Ravindra Ranande, Head-Global Professional Services, Red Hat, India

All the CIOs know that normally a server is utilized 30 percent because if it
goes beyond 50-60 percent, then every administrative charge jumps up and for
that the CIO needs an extra server. With such kind of utilization, there's the
unutilized capacity. Now, this unutilized capacity can be utilized with
virtualization technology. By virtualization of servers, the customer can work
with multiple operating systems, using the same existing hardware at no extra
cost.

How secured is open source platform and virtualization for enterprises?

Open source is becoming synonymous with security. Typically at Red Hat, we have
a security project-Security Enhanced Linux (SEL), which is integrated with our
operating systems. It's been offered on physical servers and the same kind of
security is offered on the virtualized environments also. For example, the RHEL5
comes with SEL certification of EAL4 level. Suppose you are doing simple task
like FTP, then it already has the security cover as it's inbuilt and available
on the virtual platform the same way it is present on the physical servers.

Can you tell us about the Microsoft, Red Hat agreement on
interoperability?

Recently, we announced an interoperability agreement with Microsoft, where we
have assured to support each other's customers' need and environments in future.
It's a great step as we agreed to support the customers' choice and respect the
freedom of choice to use technology.

Pankaj Maru

(Source: CMN)