Red Hat (News - Alert), the provider of open source solutions, and IBM have announced a new marketing initiative with Lotus Open Collaboration Client Solution for Red Hat, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

According to both the companies, the initiative combines Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop, IBM (News - Alert) Lotus Notes Client with Lotus Symphony and IBM Lotus Domino 8 server.

 

The joint Lotus Solution Bundle is expected to allow customers to deploy Lotus Notes with Red Hat Enterprise Linux on the desktop, which IBM said, will enhance collaboration, productivity and security.

 

Officials informed that business partners classified as Red Hat Advanced Business Partners and Lotus-authorized IBM Business Partners may sell the Red Hat and IBM Lotus products throughout North America with a Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscription.

 

Additionally, they will offer a six-month Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop trial. Red Hat also plans to provide a value-added services offer to qualified Red Hat Advanced Business Partners to provide end customers with implementation services.

 

“Red Hat is proud of our joint work with IBM to reduce the complexity of deploying and operating messaging and collaboration solutions,” Scott Crenshaw, vice president of Enterprise Linux Business at Red Hat, said in a press statement.

 

He also stated that this initiative is further evidence of his company’s commitment to not only reduce customer’s acquisition costs, but to reduce “their yearly operating expenses, while greatly increasing the security of their information.”

 

“We are excited about this initiative with Red Hat, said  We are able to now leverage the best practices gained from deploying this solution internally for IBM employees through the IBM CIO office to our customers,” said Kevin Cavanaugh, vice president of Lotus Software at IBM.

 

“The Lotus Solution shows Red Hat’s dedication to ensuring the successful implementation and integration of its products into the marketplace by providing its Advanced Business Partners with real, tangible assistance,” said Jimmy Bracco, general manager at Lotus 911.