Linux Unveils Aryabhatt Operating System

Linux Technologies has formally launched Aryabhatt Linux, the first distribution of the Linux operating system (OS) in India. Linux is a `free' operating system, as it is based on an open source code unlike other systems such as Microsoft Windows.

Linux Technologies which is based in the city focusses on conducting ongoing research on the Linux Kernel and developing software solutions that are both effective and affordable.

The company received its first round of incubator funding of Rs one crore for 10 per cent of its equity three months ago. The second round is being negotiated to raise $1 million (Rs 4.4 crore) from three to four equity partners. The third round is proposed to be an initial public offering and the fourth a Nasdaq listing. The paid-up capital of the company is Rs 1.5 crore.

Aryabhatt Linux is currently valued at $25 million according to Linux Technologies.

"We have spent two years developing this operating system and can proudly say that Aryabhatt Linux is on par with any operating system in the world and, in addition, is specifically customised for the Indian user," said Vishal Gupta, managing director, Linux Technologies.

Aryabhatt Linux is priced at Rs 2,100 or $50 per pack, which also has an user manual. Gupta said this was at least 20 per cent cheaper than other alternatives available in the market.

The company's target audience is the entire universe of personal computer users whether corporates, small office-home office users, dotcoms or educational institutions.

For popularising the operating system, Linux Technologies also has a team, focussing on training and education and tie-ups with the likes of Datapro, LCC, Sun Resources, Symbiosis Institute and Bhawan's Institute, already in place. Linux will offer training to the staff of the training institutes on the Aryabhatt Linux platform.

The company is in negotiations with various computer manufacturers and application sellers such as IBM, Sun and Oracle to pre-install Aryabhatt and/or bundle it with their software. Aryabhatt Linux will also be globally marketed in Singapore, Japan, Korea and the Middle east.

In the first year, Linux Technologies expects to sell one lakh boxes in the country which would be 2 per cent of the domestic personal computer base. The first year sales target is $2.5 million doubling every year to touch $20 million by 2004. A company statement said besides supporting most hardware Aryabhatt Linux has low minimum hardware requirements. It supports all x86 compatible PCs with 16 MB of random access memory (RAM) and 640 MB of hard disk space.