Red Hat delays launch of Global Desktop Linux

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Linux distributor Red Hat has delayed the August release of its new desktop Linux product, raising concern among users.

Red Hat Global Desktop Linux will not be available until September, product manager Gerry Riveros confirmed in an email.

The product includes Linux operating system software and other compatible programs for desktop and laptop personal computers.

It is a niche market for Red Hat, which makes most of its money servicing software it develops for servers.

Red Hat had said in May it was working with Intel on the desktop software, which it said would have features comparable to Windows, include a wide range of programs and would be sold with a one-year subscription to security updates.

Red Hat Global Desktop Linux will be sold in developing countries where government agencies and small businesses cannot afford to pay for Microsoft's Windows operating system. Its primary competitor will be Ubuntu Linux.

The new Red Hat product is being delayed so the company can investigate adding technology to permit users to view a wide range of video formats on their computers, including DVDs and streaming media, Riveros said.

He couldn't be reached to further elaborate on his email.

Officials with Intel familiar with the project couldn't be reached for comment.

In May, Red Hat said its partnership with Intel was based on the chipmaker's relationship with computer makers around the world.

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