The VAR Guy

Red Hat already focuses on Linux, JBoss middleware and virtualization. But there are multiple signs the open source company will make a business intelligence move soon. And Red Hat’s move could involve either Jaspersoft or EnterpriseDB — or both. Here’s some analysis, some speculation and some potential implications for Red Hat’s channel partners.

At first glance all is well at Red Hat. The open source and Linux darling continues to gain momentum with channel partners. But The VAR Guy wonders: Should Red Hat be worried about Microsoft’s Windows Azure — and the growing list of open source applications set to run in Microsoft’s cloud?

Hate is a strong word … especially when you’re in love. Consider the situation between Red Hat and Microsoft. During the Red Hat Summit in September, the open source company warned customers and channel partners not to get locked into Microsoft’s Windows Azure cloud strategy. Fast forward to the present, and Red Hat and Microsoft are locked in a virtual hug. Here’s the scoop.

Chariot Solutions, a Red Hat channel partner and Catalyst Program member, has developed an iPhone application to monitor JBoss application server performance. This is the latest example of an open source solutions provider blending IT consulting and ISV (independent software vendor) efforts. Here’s the scoop from The VAR Guy.

Red Hat continues to stretch beyond its Linux and JBoss middleware heritage to focus on virtualization. The latest evidence: Red Hat has launched an  enhanced Partner Program that has three specializations. (1) Linux infrastructure, (2) middleware and (3) … wait for it… virtualization. Here’s the scoop and the implications for channel partners.

Red Hat’s fastest-growing channel business — the JBoss middleware platform — potentially faces new competition. The aggressor is VMware, which has acquired SpringSource for $420 million. Here’s the scoop.

Alas, Red Hat is the only publicly held open source company that’s consistently profitable. Finding privately held, profitable open source companies is like searching for the proverbial needle in the… well, you get the picture. But during a July 7 conference call, The VAR Guy stumbled onto a profitable, channel-driven open source company that’s making the leap from Europe to North America. Here’s the scoop.

Linux put Red Hat on the map. But growing sales of JBoss open source middleware should make Red Hat a $1 billion company within the next few years. With that goal in mind, Red Hat is launching “partner-only” JBoss roadmap briefings the week of July 20. Here’s the scoop from The VAR Guy.

Quick: Name the biggest reseller of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The answer very likely is Dell. Now, the PC giant is striving to become the largest reseller of Red Hat’s JBoss open source middleware. Here’s how.

A few weeks ago, The VAR Guy told readers Red Hat’s JBoss middleware business would eventually be larger than Red Hat’s Linux platform business. Apparently, Oracle/BEA Systems veteran Steve Hess got the message. He’s made the leap to Red Hat. And so have several other major names in middleware. Here’s why channel partners should pay attention.

Sometimes The VAR Guy is a little slow. Red Hat has achieved two important company milestones, according to CEO Jim Whitehurst (pictured), that The VAR Guy nearly overlooked. It took some time for our resident blogger to realize the significance of Whitehurst’s statement. Take a look for yourself.

Lots of open source fans booed when Novell jumped into bed with Microsoft. But perhaps sleeping with Microsoft really is good for Novell’s health. Anecdotal evidence is starting to suggest that CIOs (chief information officers) actually like seeing Novell and Microsoft arm in arm.