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Red Hat sees another delay in PC Linux software

Because of language translation and compatibility issues, software intended for developing countries will come out in 30 to 60 days.

Reuters
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Software maker Red Hat, which had planned to introduce a new version of its Linux software for personal computers in August, said on Tuesday that the product won't be out until next month at the earliest.

The rival to Microsoft's Windows and Novell's Suse Linux, which Red Hat plans to sell in developing countries, had previously been pushed back to a September launch.

Chief Executive Matthew Szulik said in an interview that the software maker is still working to translate the software into foreign languages, make sure it is compatible with different PC hardware and work out some issues relating to licensing of some of the software in the package.

"You should see the production version roll out in the next 30 to 60 days," Szulik told Reuters. "That's the goal."

Red Hat generally provides its software at no charge and makes money by providing technical support, upgrades and bug fixes. It makes most of its money selling Linux software that is used on server computers.

The company doesn't plan to support the Linux PC software in the United States or other developed countries. But Szulik said it can be freely copied and used anywhere in the world at no charge.