Oracle expands Linux compatibilty

The list of hardware compatible with Oracle's Linux distribution continues to grow, with the software maker certifying six new configurations this week.

The certified products to run Oracle Enterprise Linux include those made by Compellent Technologies, Dell, Egenera, EMC, Hewlett-Packard, Pillar Data Systems and Unisys.

Last year, Oracle launched its own distribution of Linux designed to be compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the leading distribution for corporate customers.

Wide hardware compatibility is important for fitting into corporate datacentres.

The company also said it is making a file system tuned for large storage configurations available under an open-source licence. An alpha release of Btrfs was made available on Wednesday.

Oracle also said it is releasing an open-source version of the Yast Linux installation and configuration tool for Oracle Enterprise Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux under the General Public License (GPL). Yast was originally developed for Novell's Suse Linux.

Oracle hopes to make Oracle Enterprise Linux more appealing to corporate customers and to build credibility and goodwill among the Linux community.

"By developing enhanced capabilities and contributing code, our Linux engineering team continues to make the Linux experience better for all," said Wim Coekaerts, Oracle's vice president of Linux engineering, in a statement.

Author: Martin LaMonica @ CNET News.com