LBA Unveils Latest Linux, Calls for Beta Testers

LBA UNVEILS LATEST LINUX, CALLS FOR BETA TESTERS

Helsinki, Finland, 2004-05-19

Following the worldwide release in April of the first version of
LBA-Linux, the Linux Business Alliance has this week unveiled a
preview of the next generation of its popular GNU/Linux distribution.

LBA-Linux R2 Beta, a test version of the as-yet-unreleased LBA-Linux
R2, reveals a slew of new features and sports an enhanced,
stylish design.

"This beta release is a preview of the next version of LBA-Linux",
explained Mr. Phillip Stewart, Community and Documentation Manager at
SOT Finnish Software Engineering, Ltd., an LBA member company.

"We're now asking our volunteers to 'test-drive' the beta release.
Their comments and feedback will determine which software features
are worthy of inclusion in the upcoming general release of
LBA-Linux R2."

LBA-Linux R2 Beta is the first version of LBA-Linux to be
distributed in DVD format, a new addition to the traditional
CD-ROM installation media.

"Now that DVD technology has become more common, we wanted to offer
LBA-Linux users the choice and the convenience of installing all
LBA-Linux software from a single disc.  CD-ROM users will still be able
to use the three-CD method of one Foundation and two bonus discs to
install the distribution", said Mr. Aleksey Gelchinskiy, Project Manager
at SOT.

The new installation medium is not the only innovation in LBA-Linux R2
Beta.  Users of the new distribution will find a private folder in their
home directory which encrypts all files placed within it -- the perfect
place to keep confidential documents safe from prying eyes.

"I think that crypto support will be a great help to users of
LBA-Linux, especially so for laptop owners.  Their private files will still be
protected should their notebook be stolen, or in service",
noted Brazilian GNU/Linux security expert Pedro Bueno.

Beta testers will also find the LBA's OpenOffice.org-based application
suite, LBA-Office, pre-installed in the new distribtution, allowing
instant productivity.  The distribution's sophisticated Updater tool will
enable users to download and install updates and improvements during
the beta-test period.

More information about LBA-Linux R2 beta, including download links,
can be found at the distribution's community website, www.sotlinux.org.


Finndesign

Founded in 1995, Finndesign is a Finnish design company
specialised in user interface design. Finndesign provides
services to technologically advanced appliance and software
producers globally.


SOT

SOT provides professional services related to product
development and ICT-infrastructure to grow its customers'
business.  Founded in 1991, the company's core competences
are GNU/Linux and Open Source.  As an established software
house in the ICT arena, SOT counts Finland's leading
companies and public corporations among its current
customers.  SOT's best known products include SOT Linux,
Best Linux and SOT Office.


Turre Legal

Turre Legal assists companies from the technology
and finance sectors with legal issues. The combination of
technical and legal professionalism is our strength.

Additional information

LBA-Linux R2 beta download: ftp://ftp.sot.com/
LBA-Linux R2 beta screenshots:
http://www.sotlinux.org/en/develop/r2_beta_screenshots/

Linux Business Alliance: http://www.linuxalliance.org/
Finndesign: http://www.finndesign.fi/
SOT: http://www.sot.com/
Turre Legal: http://www.turre.com

LBA-Linux Community: http://www.sotlinux.org/


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fax: +358 20 155 2209
E-mail: PRelations@sot.com