New Products

Merlin Softech released its first commercial product, PerfectBACKUP+ 6.1. PerfectBACKUP+ is a Linux-based utility and crash-recovery tool. Users can back up and verify their systems totally unattended. Enhancements include a new Backup Wizard for ease of use, new Search for location of backed-up files, an improved Device Testing Dialog, File Inclusion/Exclusion dialog and remote network backups.

Contact: Merlin Software Technologies, Suite 420, 6450 Roberts Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 4E1, Canada, 888-414-3311, 604-320-7277 (fax), info@merlinsoftech.com, http://www.merlinsoftech.com/.

Essential Communications announced the availability of a Linux driver for its PCI-host bus adapter based on the High Performance Parallel Interface (HIPPI 800) standard. It extends the HIPPI 800 network advantages of very high-speed (800MB/sec) data file transfer capability and low CPU utilization to Linux platforms. HIPPI technology is ideal for organizations requiring the transfer of large amounts of information at high speeds, including video and film archiving, scientific computing, data mining, storage management and transaction processing.

Contact: Essential Communication Corporation, 4239 Balloon Park Road, Albuquerque, NM 87109, 505-344-0080, 505-344-0408 (fax), essential@ods.com, http://www.ods.com/.

Libra Computer Systems announced the release of Linux by Libranet, based on the Debian distribution of Linux, by packaging the most commonly used applications onto an easy-to-install CD. This CD installs over 750MB of software including industry standards such as Netscape. The Libranet release brings Debian to the desktop, making it available to users with little or no Linux experience. Linux by Libranet may be used on any standard PC and will co-exist with Microsoft Windows. Standard hardware components such as sound cards are supported.

Contact: Libra Computer Systems Ltd., 1860 Langworthy Street, North Vancouver, BC V7K 1N8, Canada, http://www.libranet.com/.

Macmillan USA announced the release of Programming Development Kit: Linux Operating System 6.5. Users can learn C, Python and Tcl/Tk programming for Linux without having to use a command line. The PDK 6.5 will give Linux programmers an easy, user-friendly way to write programs for the Linux operating system. The software includes essential features such as an IDE optimized for Pentium processors, visual development tools (debugger, build managers and a source editor) and Java, C and C++ libraries.

Contact: Macmillan Computer Publishing, 201 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290, 317-228-4366, orders@mcp.com, http://www.macmillansoftware.com/.

DOLFIN.COM now offers anti-virus software for Linux. While Linux is almost immune to virus attacks, it is often used as a file and mail server for Windows clients. DOLFIN assists in providing its clients with the optimum anti-virus solution that meets their business needs, growth targets and budget. DOLFIN's anti-virus solution allows one to scan their FTP upload area as well as e-mail attachments before potential infected files become a problem.

Contact: DOLFIN.COM Inc., 1320 Tower Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 847-884-7600, 847-884-7612 (fax), sales@dolfin.com, http://www.dolfin.com/.

OpenDesk.com is a free open-source workspace delivered over the Internet. It is 100% open source and works on any computer with a current (version 4.0 or higher) browser, giving resource-strapped small businesses, non-profit and community groups access to the collaboration tools they need to get their work done. Even organizations with members distributed across the globe can come together in this secure virtual workspace. Version 1.0 features include a multi-lingual user interface and compatibility with Macintoshes and PCs running Linux/UNIX or Windows. OpenDesk.com version 1.0 offers e-mail, calendar, contacts, voting/polling, memo editor, bookmarks and customizable themes, with more to come.

Contact: HBE Software, 1030 St-Alexandre, Suite 710, Montréal, Quebec H2Z 1P3, Canada, 514-876-7881, 514-876-9223 (fax), info@hbesoftware.com, http://www.hbesoftware.com/.