Microsoft and Turbolinux Extend Broad Collaboration AgreementMicrosoft Corp. and Turbolinux, a leading Linux client and server distributor in Japan and China, have announced a business agreement that expands on their recent collaborations. The deal advances Linux-Microsoft Windows Server interoperability, furthers research and development collaboration, and provides IP assurances for Turbolinux users.
A key customer component to the agreement is a collaborative “single sign-on†solution. According to a recent study released by SupportSoft Inc., a provider of technology problem resolution software provider, password problems — including the need to reset them — make up one out of every five calls received by corporate IT help desks. This collaboration features the development of a single sign-on solution enabling customers to use one set of credentials to log onto Windows-based and Turbolinux devices. This solution is intended to improve computing efficiencies and cut down on internal IT costs.
“This agreement represents a business and technical collaboration that will benefit customers,†said David Kaefer, general manager for intellectual property licensing at Microsoft. “Through this collaboration Microsoft and Turbolinux are reinforcing our combined commitment to providing real solutions for our customers such as the single sign-on solution. Turbolinux is now one of Microsoft’s preferred Linux partners, and we are looking forward to continue building bridges between open source and commercial technologies.â€
This agreement focuses on four key areas:
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Interoperability
This collaboration features the development of a single sign-on solution, enabling customers to use one set of credentials to log on to Windows-based and Turbolinux devices.
The deal includes a Workgroup Server Protocol Program (WSPP) evaluation license, which Turbolinux signed to evaluate additional technical collaboration opportunities on which to focus in the future.
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Business alignment
The agreement will include an R&D interoperability lab to be housed in the same building as Microsoft’s Beijing office. The companies will use the lab to focus on testing and showcasing solutions for customers and partners.
Turbolinux will also participate in the Interoperability Vendor Alliance, a Microsoft-sponsored community of software and hardware vendors working together to enhance interoperability. More information about the group can be found at
http://www.interopvendoralliance.org.
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Intellectual property assurance
This agreement will provide intellectual property assurance for Turbolinux customers who purchase Turbolinux Server.
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Desktop collaboration expansion
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