Red Hat, the leader in developing, deploying and managing open source Internet infrastructure solutions, has combined with Wincor Nixdorf to bring to market the BEETLE Point-of-Sale systems based on Embedded Linux. The BEETLE comes to market amidst growing competition in the retail sector, which has given rise to a demand for new IT solutions, both in the central office and in stores.
Commenting on the project, Dieter Hoffmann, managing director of Red Hat Central Europe said, ``We helped Wincor Nixdorf to build a system based on Red Hat embedded Linux. Wincor Nixdorf has recognised that retailers look at Red Hat Linux as a platform for retail solutions and as an alternative to proprietary operating systems. Red Hat Linux superior upgrade capabilities and low TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). This was a very exciting project and Red Hat continues to provide level-three support and engineering support while this product is in the field.''
The BEETLE NetPOS is an intelligent, scalable thin-client system developed for the new server-centric network solutions. This product is designed to deliver new server-oriented solution concepts and subsequently to satisfy the new requirements for POS (Point Of Sale) hardware and software. This server-centric computing will optimize the high costs of software distribution, system maintenance and administration in large networks, reducing the TCO.
``The BEETLE NetPOS offers an attractive design, a minimum footprint and maximum availability at an optimal price/performance ratio. We see massive demand for this product on Embedded Linux and by using Red Hat's expertise, experience and support this was made possible,'' commented Winfried Nolte from Wincor Nixdorf. ``The BEETLE NetPOS will give the user the option to define how thin his system is to be and this also applies of the peripherals: POS printers, customer displays, scanners, cash drawers, payment terminals, can be connected as required.''
About Red Hat
Founded in 1994, Red Hat (Nasdaq:RHAT), is the leader in developing, deploying and managing open source Internet infrastructure solutions ranging from small embedded devices to high availability clusters and secure Web servers. In addition to the award-winning Red Hat Linux server operating system, Red Hat is the principle provider of GNU-based developer tools and support solutions for a wide variety of embedded processors. Red Hat provides run-time solutions, developer tools, Linux kernel expertise and offers support and engineering services to organizations in all embedded and Linux markets.
Red Hat applies its technological leadership to create open source solutions for all points on the Internet and in pervasive computing environments, offers services backed by the best understanding of open source and the most comprehensive resources, and delivers the brand of a widely trusted open source leader and corporate partner. Red Hat offers users one single, trusted point of contact and a common platform for developing, deploying and managing open source across the Internet and devices that connect to the Internet.
Red Hat is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C. and has offices worldwide.
Red Hat Europe, https://redhat-techworld.com, was established in July 1999 with its European headquarters based in Surrey, United Kingdom and offices throughout Europe. Red Hat Linux is sold and supported through a number of major distribution and industry partners throughout Europe and from www.europe.redhat.com/shop.
About Wincor Nixdorf GmbH & Co. KG
Wincor Nixdorf GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading companies in IT solutions and products as well as services in the field of banking and retail. The company employs approximately 3,600 persons and has earned revenue of 2.6 billion DM in fiscal year 1998/99, with a worldwide scope of action in 40 countries and with 28 subsidiaries.
In the field of electronic POS systems, Wincor Nixdorf is market leader both in Germany and in Europe, and number 3 worldwide. In the field of automated teller machines, Wincor Nixdorf is market leader in Germany, number 2 in Europe and number 3 worldwide.
Wincor Nixdorf offers products and solutions for the entire chain of the added value branch of the distribution sector: from electronic point of sale systems to data warehouse applications. With the POS Beetle systems, electronic labeling solutions, electronic registers and automatic scanning, its key offers include products and services for distribution, as well as a portfolio of offers to efficiently meet consumer demands. The offer to the banking business sector includes automatic money distributors, printers, multimedia information systems, microchip cards and terminals for airlines. The latest innovation is a compact modular system combining the basic functions of a small self-service branch.
Worldwide, Wincor Nixdorf is the only supplier who offers a software package for financial institutions that is based on universal standards and can be used throughout the self-service sector. The Services Division renders services for products and solutions, including installation and maintenance of hardware and software products, regular routine inspections, repairs, software upgrades and management of market rollouts. With the founding of the services division Wincor Nixdorf has completed the value chain for the customers by including one more decisive element.
For more information, see our website at: www.wincor-nixdorf.com.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release that are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, management's plans and objectives for future operations and management's assessment of market factors, constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, product plans and performance, the ability to continue to develop the Linux kernel and other software, reliance upon strategic relationships, Red Hat's dependence upon an open source business model, reliance upon independent third-party Linux developers, management of growth, expansion of Red Hat's business focus and operations, the possibility of undetected software errors, the enforceability of the GNU General Public License and other licenses under which Red Hat's products are developed and licensed, the scarcity of Linux-based applications, the risks of economic downturns generally, and in Red Hat's industry specifically, the risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures, the viability of the Internet, and other risks detailed in Red Hat's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be accessed through SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
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