VA Linux in Collaborative Development Project with NTT Data

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Collaborative Development Project with NTT Data:
Creation of a Linux Crash Analysis Tool Planned for Release 
by the First Quarter of 2005

Tokyo, Japan - May 7, 2004 -- VA Linux Systems Japan K.K. (VA Linux), 
Japan's leading Linux and Open Source solutions provider, today 
announced the undertaking of a collaborative development project 
with NTT Data Corporation (NTT Data) designed to develop 
a crash analysis tool for the Linux operating system. This tool 
will allow for the accurate obtainment of crash-related data and 
crash analysis. The project aims to have the tool in circulation 
by the first quarter of 2005.

Compared with Unix-based open systems, systems running Linux tend 
to be much more prone to deadlock and weaker at pinpointing failures 
that occur at the interface between middleware, the OS, and hardware. 
Through the automated recording of all internal data at the time 
of failure and the sophisticated analysis of this internal data, 
this Linux crash analysis tool will provide an essential solution 
to problems that occur on systems running Open Source Software. 

The main functions and features of the crash analysis tool are as follows:

1. Allows for the Accurate Collection of Data at the Moment the Problem Occurs
Even in the event of an unexpected failure, this tool will make 
it possible to quickly ascertain the cause of the problem by 
employing a mechanism that will accurately record information on 
the OS, applications, and middleware, in the form of crash dump data.

2. No Need for Propriety Hardware = Low-Cost Crash Analysis 
The combined knowledge and experience of VA Linux and NTT Data makes 
it possible for the entire data collection mechanism to be 
software-based. This lack of the need for propriety hardware makes 
low-cost implementation a reality.

3. Comprehensive Data Analysis (including applications)
 Most current crash dump data collection mechanisms are structured 
to primarily focus on device drivers and kernel error correction. 
Therefore, these mechanisms are often limited to acquiring data 
concerning the Linux Kernel. However, with this new 
crash analysis tool, it will be possible to record all data 
(including application data) and analyze the causes of complex 
failures - even intertwined crashes involving applications, 
middleware, operating systems, and hardware.

4. Faster Crash Analysis
In order to ascertain the cause of the crash at the most fundamental 
level, it is necessary to break-down and analyze crash dump data 
recorded at the moment of the failure or system crash. This sort 
of analysis is only possible when undertaken by high-level engineers 
who are versed in the internal workings of Linux and Open Source 
software. Currently, Linux crash dump analysis is performed with 
basic debugging tools. The development of this new Linux 
crash analysis tool will help to better provide diagnostic specialists 
with the necessary information that they need in an accurate and 
clearer fashion. Through the use of this Linux crash analysis tool, 
highly competent specialists will be able to diagnose the source of 
problems in a much timelier fashion than is currently possible. 

The accurate ascertainment and analysis of the cause of crashes 
in Linux systems will be made possible through this collaborative 
development and the employment of crash analysis methods and 
crash-related data collection/analysis tools. Accordingly, the ability 
to take preventative measures will also become a reality. Based on 
these developments, the reliability of the operational aspects of 
Linux systems will be greatly increased. This reliability will 
lead to a greater piece of mind for enterprise market clients using 
Linux and Open Source applications.

Tetsuya Ueda, president and CEO, states, "The combination of 
NTT Data's knowledge and experience in working with global systems 
and VA Linux's unparalleled proficiency (in the Japanese market) 
with the Linux Kernel will allow us to better meet the needs of 
the enterprise market, which demands the utmost level of reliability. 
I am confident that this joint development project will dramatically 
increase the reliability of the Linux system and make Linux's 
position in the enterprise market an unwavering one."


- About VA Linux System Japan K.K.

Founded in September 2000, VA Linux Systems Japan is a leader in Open
Source consulting market. Through its Linux Kernel skill, VA Linux
Systems Japan is providing advanced technology consultings and
software solutions based on Linux and Open Source. 
http://www.valinux.co.jp/en/


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- Contact

Public Relations
VA Linux Systems Japan K.K.
Email: mktg @ valinux.cojp