VA LINUX: Die letzten News und deren Diskussion +Analystenratings - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

[vschediwie]

Da wir heute (und in der letzten Zeit) einen starken Kursverfall bei VA hatten, werden wir in diesem Bord hoffentlich viele sachliche Postings führen können. Natürlich sind kritische anmerkungen immer willkommen! Aber man sollte trotzdem einen ordentlichen Ton beibehalten und keinen "dummen" Postings machen.

vielen dank im Voraus für das "Sauberhalten des Bords"

Gruss Volker


Hier gleich die letzten News

3G Lab Offers Software for Easy Web Access on Mobile Phones
By Jane Baird

London, Oct. 18 (Bloomberg) -- 3G Lab, a U.K. technology startup, said it is offering free software to provide mobile phone users with easy access to Internet sites.

Many cellular phone users now buy handsets that are preconfigured to dial numbers that access a limited group of Web sites. To get to other sites, they may have to make as many as 113 keystrokes. With 3G Lab`s software, called Alligata, anyone can provide Web access for callers by sending a short-text message that will reset a phone to add another access number.

``This lets people create portals in their garages,`` said Steve Ives, chief executive of Cambridge, England-based 3G Lab. ``No one will be able to control phones or gateways now; it`s in everybody`s hands.``

The Alligata product, available on the company`s Web site starting today, uses software from the Kannel project, created by a number of developers who published the underlying code for free. The project is similar to the development of the Linux software for personal computers.

3G Lab aims to profit from providing support for users of the software, in the same way that companies such as Red Hat Inc. support Linux, Ives said.

Preset Portals

Alligata will make it harder for cellular companies to block rival Internet access phone numbers, known as portals, Ives said.

Network operators are able to preset phones to dial a certain portal to get on line using the technology known as Wireless Internet Protocol, or WAP. Some have tried to make access to competing portals difficult.

In May, a Paris court forced France Telecom SA to allow mobile customers to access the Web through rivals. Other companies had complained that the French company prevented callers from dialing other portals.

In June, British regulators began investigating British Telecommunications Plc, after a smaller rival complained that the company programmed a popular handset to prevent users from choosing anything other than British Telecom`s portal.

Software similar to Alligata has been available for a fee from Nokia Oyj, the world`s largest handset maker.

``If you want to have your own WAP gateway now, it`s quite expensive,`` said James Pearce, U.K. director of Anywhereyougo.com, a Web site that provides information for developers of wireless Internet services.

3G Lab`s developers have deciphered the software behind Nokia`s service, Ives said. The Alligata package includes this application plus software to run wireless Web portals and to operate a short-text messaging service.

``There will be a proliferation of portals,`` predicted Dave Cleevy, a researcher with the Analysys research company in Cambridge. ``This will give a really big boost to the rate of innovation of the mobile Internet.``

Customers

Potential buyers of the new software include corporations that can create a mobile portal to connect employees directly to a company Web site.

Others, such as banks, will want to create their own wireless portals to let customers access information in a secure manner on the go, Ives said.

3G Lab, with a staff of 31 and financing from the U.K.`s 3I Group Plc, plans to make money by helping companies install, develop and maintain mobile portals and by providing other support, Ives said.

The Alligata software can run on a personal computer with the Linux operating system, he said.

Linux, created by a Finnish graduate student in 1991 and made available for free on the Web, competes with Microsoft Corp.`s Windows operating systems.

For the Web site where the software can be downloaded, see http://www.3glab.com.

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LynuxWorks to Raise $70 Million in Initial Public Offering
By Ashley Gross

San Jose, California, Oct. 25 (Bloomberg) -- LynuxWorks Inc., a maker of Linux-compatible computer operating systems, said it plans to raise about $70 million by selling shares in an initial public offering.

The San Jose, California-based company isn`t disclosing the number of shares it will sell, said Vice President of Finance Bhupi Singh. LynuxWorks will use the money for ``general corporate purposes and working capital,`` he said.

Last year, when Linux-related companies such as VA Linux Systems Inc. and Red Hat Inc. sold shares to the public, investors drove up their share prices amid enthusiasm that the companies would challenge Microsoft Corp. for dominance in the operating- system market.

VA Linux shares have tumbled 89 percent since its initial public offering last December and Red Hat has fallen 68 percent over the past year partly because of concern that the companies wouldn`t become profitable soon.

``The market has its ups and downs,`` said Singh. ``We don`t believe that`s an issue for us here. We`ve got a very healthy business.``

The share sale will be managed by Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown, Prudential Volpe Technology Group, Dain Rauscher Wessels and ABN Amro Rothschild LLC.

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...so nun zu den brandaktuellen:

Tripwire Open Source, Linux Edition, Now Available; Honoring
Commitment to the Linux Community

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2000--Tripwire, Inc., the leading provider of data and network integrity solutions, today announced the availability of its Open Source product for the Linux(R) operating system.

Delivering on the commitment made earlier this year, Tripwire(R) Open Source, Linux Edition is hosted on VA Linux Systems` (Nasdaq:LNUX) SourceForge(TM), the world`s largest Open Source development center. The software is also included on the recently announced Red Hat Linux 7 Open Source Operating System. Tripwire Open Source, Linux Edition will continue to be integrated into other Linux solutions.

"Tripwire Open Source, Linux Edition is a significant contribution of commercial-quality data and network integrity software to the Linux community. As Linux continues its incredible momentum, there is a real need for security applications that allow the customer to create with a foundation of integrity," said W. Wyatt Starnes, president and CEO of Tripwire, Inc. "Our inclusion on SourceForge and the Red Hat Linux core operating system CD reinforces our commitment to and acceptance by the Linux community."

"The release of Tripwire Open Source, Linux Edition, is nothing short of outstanding," said Scott Mann, author of Linux System Security: The Administrator`s Guide to Open Source Security Tools. "This software represents a critical component to security in all Linux computing environments. With this GPL version, the improved Tripwire software is now available to the entire Linux community."

Tripwire Open Source, Linux Edition

Tripwire Open Source, Linux Edition is functionally equivalent to Tripwire 2.2.1 for the Linux platform. The software is issued under the General Public License, the most widely used and accepted license for Open Source code in the Linux and Open Source community. Tripwire is the principal provider of resources to actively manage the project, and has appointed a gatekeeper to work with the Open Source user and developer communities to continually enhance the software.

Tripwire Partnerships

Tripwire is working with several partners to extend its data and network integrity capabilities to millions of Linux users. Current partners include Caldera, Penguin Computing, Red Hat and VA Linux Systems.

Tripwire Open Source, Linux Edition Availability

Tripwire Open Source, Linux Edition code and information is available through several channels:

-- SourceForge (http://sourceforge.net/projects/tripwire/ )

-- Red Hat Linux 7

-- Tripwire`s portal for the Open Source community:

http://www.tripwire.org

About Tripwire, Inc.

Tripwire, Inc. is the leading provider of data and network integrity solutions for Global 3000 companies and e-business corporations as well as key public sector organizations. Tripwire enterprise software provides the foundation upon which security, network management and risk management strategies are built. It ensures that organizations can be confident in the integrity of all "data at rest" in their network - source, destination and all stops in between. Tripwire customers include Intuit, AT&T, Ernst & Young and the U.S. House of Representatives. Tripwire is headquartered in Portland, Oregon with offices in Silicon Valley, California, and 13 countries around the world. For more information about Tripwire, please visit our Web site at www.tripwire.com (http://www.tripwire.com).

Linux is a Registered Trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (c)2000 Tripwire, Inc. and Tripwire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tripwire Inc.

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ADVISORY/VA Linux Systems CEO to Keynote At Software
Development Conference & Expo 2000

Business Editors/Technology Writers

ADVISORY ... for Wednesday-Thursday (Nov. 1-2)

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- -0-

Who: Dr. Larry M. Augustin, president and CEO of VA Linux Systems,
and John "Tiberius" Hall, vice president of strategic planning
for VA Linux, to discuss the future of Open Source software
development and SourceForge in their keynote at Software
Development Conference & Expo 2000. Jeremy Allison, senior
engineer for VA Linux Professional Services and a lead
developer on the Samba Team, to lead an advanced course on
porting software from Windows NT to Linux.

Where: Software Development Conference & Expo
Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C.

When: Wednesday, November 1 - Thursday, November 2, 2000

Speaking Engagements

KEYNOTE: Quick, What`s Your Open Source Strategy?
Wednesday, November 1
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Ballroom - Level 2
Open Source. Once characterized as a renegade movement driven by
geeks, it is now a business imperative driven by the need for
accelerated software development, reliability and
cost-effectiveness. Dr. Larry M. Augustin, founder, president and
CEO of VA Linux Systems, and John "Tiberius" Hall, vice president
of strategic planning for VA Linux, discuss the principles, tools
and methods of successful Open Source software development,
drawing lessons from SourceForge, the world`s largest ASP for Open
Source developers, currently supporting more than 10,000 projects
and over 75,000 registered users. Augustin and Hall will also
discuss how the Open Source development model is changing the way
companies can realize their strategic business objectives.

CLASS: Porting Windows NT Server Software to Linux
Thursday, November 2
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM (Part 1)
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Part 2)
Room 11-12 - Street Level
Many Windows NT developers are interested in moving their software
to Linux. This course will cover the problems involved, some
common pitfalls and the differences between such things as Windows
and Linux threading models, synchronization primitives,
inter-process communication, networking APIs and control of server
processes. This will be a very technical talk of value to advanced
Win32 API developers.
Level: Advanced
Primary Track: Open Source/Linux - Class taught by Jeremy Allison

About VA Linux Systems

VA Linux Systems (Nasdaq: LNUX) is the world`s Linux leader. The expert provider of Linux and Open Source solutions for the Web, VA Linux offers a single point of contact for highly customized Linux servers and storage - featuring the industry`s first Build-to-Order Software - as well as professional consulting services and support. VA Linux Systems` mission is to make its customers successful through the use of Linux and Open Source - whether they are e-businesses rapidly expanding their Internet infrastructures, or technology companies leveraging the power and methodology of Open Source software development. As part of its commitment to expanding the Open Source community, VA Linux Systems operates the Open Source Development Network (OSDN). A network of the leading Internet sites for Open Source development, distribution and discussion, OSDN includes SourceForge(TM), Freshmeat.net, Slashdot and Linux.com. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Fremont, California with offices across North America, Europe and Japan, VA Linux is located on the Web at www.valinux.com.

Note: VA Linux Systems and SourceForge are trademarks of VA Linux Systems, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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Hallo Zusammen, hab noch was nettes gefunden:

17.10.2000
VA Linux klarer Kauf
Report21


Die Börsenexperten vom Report21 stufen VA Linux Systems Inc. (WKN 929398) als klaren Kauf ein.

VA Linux Systems Inc. sei der weltweit führende Anbieter von Linux-Lösungen, -Integrationssystemen, -Software und -Services. Das 1993 gegründete und in Sunnyvale, Kalifornien, beheimatete Unternehmen offeriere überwiegend Netzwerklösungen, deren wesentliche Vorteile in der Schnelligkeit, Zuverlässigkeit und Skalierbarkeit zu finden seien und als konfigurierbare built-to-order-Produkte bereits bei namhaften Firmen wie Cisco Systems oder Inktomi Verwendung finden würden.

Die bereits sehr starke Nachfrage nach Linux-Produkten spiegele der Umsatzanstieg im vierten Quartal des Ende Juli endenden Fiskaljahres von 547 % gegenüber dem Vorjahresvergleichszeitraum wieder. Somit seien im Gesamtjahr 1999/2000 rund 120 Mio. US-$ gegenüber 17,7 Mio. US-$ im Vorjahr umgesetzt worden. Der Verlust pro Aktie habe im vierten Quartal auf 10 Cents (1999 34 Cents) reduziert werden können. Beide Kenngrößen hätten weit über den Erwartungen der Marktbeobachter gelegen.

Nach der Anfangseuphorie um das Linuxbetriebssystem und den damit einhergehenden Kursanstieg der VA Linux-Aktie auf über 300 US-$, sei die Aktie auf dem aktuellen Niveau bei 30 $ ein klarer Kauf. Entwickele sich das Linuxsystem auch bei den Privatusern allmählich als kostengünstige und sichere Alternative zum Windows-Betriebssystem sei VA Linux mit seinem Servicenetz als ein „Big Player“ in diesem Markt hervorragend aufgestellt. Das Investment biete ein hervorragendes Chance-Risiko-Verhältnis.

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übrigens
habe ich gestern eine e-technology-Studie der DeutschenBankResearch gelesen. Dort wird VA Linux übrigens als Strong Buy mit 12Monatsziel von 150$ eingeschätzt und die Studie ist zwar nicht alzu lang aber sie sagt auch, dass der Schritt nach Japan richtig sei um dort "näher am Markt" zusein und dort schon mit guten Frimen wie NTT oder Toshiba kooperiert würde. Ist doch gut oder?

Gruss Volker

[Leghorn]

Es geht doch nichts über die Empfehlungen der Deutschen Bank.

[automn twilight]

Wartet ab, wenn der Kurs bei 3 Dollar steht, werden die Analysten wahrscheinlich ein strong sell draus machen und ein KZ von 2,80 USD weissagen.

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KORREKTUR:

Ich habe mich bei meinem obigen Posting leider verschrieben. Das KURSZIEL IST NICHT 150 $ SONDERN 70$ es wurde auch nicht geändert. Ich habe mich einfach nur verschaut. sorry.
Ich schreibe dies nur, damit Ihr keine falschen kUrsziele vor Augen habt. Ansonsten sind die DBAnalysten -zumindest in diesem Bereich- recht gut.

70$ ist ja auch nicht schlecht. Bei diesem starken kursverlusten

Volker

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Abend zusammen

Nachfolgenbd kommen sämtliche begründungen für -den übermässigen- Kursverfall. Denke, dass es sich bald wieder erholt. Bei den Ergebnissen sind das ja längst nicht so starke Einschnitte wie bei APPLE und selbst die haben auch "nur" 40% verloren, obwohl die ergebnisse viel schlechter ausgefallen sind als bei LNUX (im vergleich).

@VA Linux nach eigenen Angaben in Q1 unter Plan - Ende 2001 schwarze Zahlen
NEW YORK (dpa-AFX) - Die VA Linux Systems Inc wird im ersten Quartal des laufenden Geschäftsjahres nach eigener Einschätzung einen unter den bisherigen Erwartungen liegenden Umsatz erwirtschaften. Dennoch werde der Quartalsumsatz vorausssichtlich 10 Prozent höher ausfallen als der Umsatz im vierten Quartal des vergangenen Geschäftsjahres. Das entspreche im Jahresvergleich einem Plus von rund 275 Prozent, teilte das Unternehmen am Montag mit.

Der Verlust je Aktie werde sich demnach nach Meinung des Unternehmens auf zwischen 14 und 16 Cent belaufen. VA Linux plane jedoch nach wie vor spätestens Ende 2001 schwarze Zahlen zu schreiben./af/sb/ms
[e-mail]

@AKTIE IM FOKUS: VA Linux nach Umsatzwarnung stark unter Druck
NEW YORK (dpa-AFX) - VA Linux Systems sind am Montag in New York nach einer Umsatzwarnung stark unter Druck geraten. Zur Eröffnung bei 18 USD musste der Anbieter von Produkten rund um das Linux-Betriebssystem bereits ein Minus von 40% hinnehmen, anschließend sackte das Papier bis auf ein Tagestief von 17,06 USD ab. Nach einer Erholung bis auf das bisherige Verlaufshoch bei 19,25 USD wurde VA Linux zuletzt bei 18,06 USD gehandelt. Der NASDAQ Composite stieg gleichzeitig um 0,64% auf 3.473,13 Punkte.

VA Linux Systems hatte vorbörslich eingestanden, im ersten Quartal des laufenden Geschäftsjahres die eigenen Umsatzprognosen zu verfehlen. Nunmehr soll der Quartalsumsatz um 10% höher ausfallen als im Vorquartal, im Jahresvergleich werde ein Plus von rund 275% erwartet. Der Verlust je Aktie werde sich nach Meinung des Linux-Spezialisten bei 14 bis 16 Cent einpendeln. VA Linux plane jedoch nach wie vor spätestens Ende 2001 schwarze Zahlen zu schreiben.

Im Sog von VA Linux gerieten im frühen Handel auch die Aktien des Konkurrenten Red Hat unter Druck: Zuletzt stand hier ein Minus von 5,52% auf 16,06 USD zu Buche./fa/af/mr
[e-mail]

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...und nun noch die ausfühlicheren Meldungen aus Bloomberg

VA Linux Systems` First Quarter Results to be Below
Expectations

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2000--VA Linux Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:LNUX) announced today that revenue for its first fiscal quarter, ended October 27, 2000, will be below the Company`s expectations, primarily due to slower-than-expected sales growth from new customers in the "Dot-com" sector. The Company expects fiscal first quarter revenue to grow 10% from the previous fiscal quarter and 275% from the same quarter in the previous year.

The Company expects to report a loss per share excluding non-cash items of $0.14 to $0.16, primarily due to lower revenues and increased spending based on higher revenue expectations. Actual results will be announced on November 16, 2000 after the market closes, followed by a 2:00 pm PST conference call.

The Company expects revenue for the fiscal year 2001 to be approximately 2.25 times fiscal 2000 revenue. This represents a reduction from the previous guidance of 2.5 times fiscal 2000 revenue. The Company still anticipates becoming profitable (excluding non-cash charges) no later than the end of calendar 2001.

"Although repeat business with our existing customers remained strong during the first fiscal quarter, sales to new customers in the `Dot-com` sector were below our expectations. In particular, the number of new customer opportunities from venture-funded `Dot-coms` declined faster than anticipated," said VA Linux Systems CEO Larry M. Augustin. "Going forward, we expect to benefit from our strategy of pursuing a broader account base, including business from large corporate and enterprise accounts. These customers require longer sales cycles, and we did not receive significant contribution to revenue from that sector in the fiscal first quarter."

About VA Linux Systems

VA Linux Systems (Nasdaq:LNUX) is the world`s Linux leader. The expert provider of Linux and Open Source solutions for the Web, VA Linux offers a single point of contact for highly customized Linux servers and storage -- featuring the industry`s first Build-to-Order Software -- as well as professional consulting services and support. VA Linux Systems` mission is to make its customers successful through the use of Linux and Open Source -- whether they are e-businesses rapidly expanding their Internet infrastructures, or technology companies leveraging the power and methodology of Open Source software development. As part of its commitment to expanding the Open Source community, VA Linux Systems operates the Open Source Development Network (OSDN). A network of the leading Internet sites for Open Source development, distribution and discussion, OSDN includes SourceForge, Freshmeat.net, Slashdot.org and Linux.com. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Fremont, Calif., with offices across North America, Europe and Japan, VA Linux is located on the Web at www.valinux.com.

Note to Editors: VA Linux Systems, OSDN and SourceForge are trademarks of VA Linux Systems, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding anticipated actual financial performance and results of operations for the Company`s first fiscal quarter of 2001; future financial performance and results of our operations; and the Company`s sales strategy and anticipated benefits therefrom. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including: confirmation of the Company`s actual results for the first fiscal quarter of 2001; VA Linux`s quarterly sales cycle and fluctuation in demand for our products and services, with increased fluctuation due to VA Linux`s concentration of customers in the Internet infrastructure industry; competition with, and pricing pressures from, larger, more established companies and smaller, general purpose manufacturers; the fact that VA Linux has incurred and expects to continue to incur substantial losses; VA Linux`s reliance on sales of server products and its success in expanding its services business; manufacturing and sourcing risks; the effectiveness of VA Linux`s ongoing business strategy; the rate of growth and acceptance of Linux and the Open Source software development model; VA Linux`s ability to continue to introduce new products and services, and to expand its business and operations, particularly internationally; VA Linux`s dependence upon an Open Source business model, independent third-party Linux developers, and its single source contract manufacturer and suppliers; VA Linux`s reliance upon strategic relationships with other companies and its ability to negotiate and implement specific terms relating to them; the scarcity of Linux-based applications; VA Linux`s dependence on its Internet-based businesses; the enforceability of the GNU General Public License; VA Linux`s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, especially in professional services and overseas; VA Linux`s acquisition strategy and its ability to successfully integrate Andover.Net and other acquired companies into its operations; market acceptance of Linux and Open Source software generally; rapid technological and market change; the impact of rapid evolution of the Linux market on our ability to forecast demand and results; claims and potential damages resulting from information or postings on our Internet sites; and risks associated with the Internet infrastructure and regulation. Investors should consult VA Linux`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 28, 2000, for further information regarding these and the other risks of the Company`s business. These documents are available at the SEC Web site: www.sec.gov.

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VA Linux Shares Fall on Wider Loss, Slowing Sales (Update3)
By Anthony Massucci

Fremont, California, Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Shares of VA Linux Systems Inc. dropped as much as 43 percent, a record, after the software and computer maker said its fiscal first-quarter loss was wider than forecast because sales to Internet companies fell.

VA Linux, which makes products using the Linux operating system, dropped $12 to $18 in early afternoon trading. It fell as low as $17 erasing $684 million in market value. The shares have fallen 91 percent this year.

The company cut its fiscal 2001 sales forecast by 10 percent to $270.7 million from $300.8 million and expects a wider first- quarter loss because many Internet companies that had planned to buy its products pared spending. Some Internet companies shut down this year after sales fell and they ran out of money, and others are reducing spending to survive.

``We`re changing the guidance on revenue but not changing the guidance on earnings going forward,`` VA Linux spokesman Patrick Fossenier said. The company reiterated its expectation of becoming profitable by the end of next year.

Akamai Technologies Inc., which sells a service to move Internet data faster, is VA Linux`s largest customer. Web-site and television-programming operator Cnet Networks Inc. and Exodus Communications Inc., the world`s biggest operator of companies` Web sites, also are customers.

Larger rivals including International Business Machines Corp., Compaq Computer Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. pose ``significant competition`` because they have more money and bigger sales forces, VA Linux said in an Oct. 26 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Those companies sell Linux systems as well as computers that run Microsoft Corp.`s Windows and varieties of Unix.

Revised Outlook

VA Linux expected to win more customers by the quarter`s end after spending on marketing and other expenses, Fossenier said. The Fremont, California-based company expects a loss of 14 cents to 16 cents for the quarter ended Oct. 27.

The company expects to issue first-quarter results Nov. 16.

VA Linux was expected to have sales of $305.9 million in fiscal 2001 and a loss of 26 cents a share, according to a First Call/Thomson Financial poll of analysts. It had fiscal 2000 sales of $120.3 million. The company was forecast to have a first- quarter loss of 9 cents, the average estimate in a First Call poll of six analysts.

Company executives are in Japan and unavailable for comment, Fossenier said.

While the Linux operating-system code is free, VA Linux sells server computers with customized versions of the program and Linux- based products such as e-mail. Internet companies prefer Linux because it`s easier than rival codes to modify, and products that use it are cheaper. Linux`s adaptability spawned companies such as VA Linux and rival Red Hat Inc.

Sales Sources

Selling computer servers and systems to Web businesses comprises about 92 percent of VA Linux` sales, while 4.1 percent comes from consulting services and 4.1 percent from advertising and sponsorships on its company-run Web sites where Linux users can discuss modifying the program, Fossenier said.

The company said in August that fiscal fourth-quarter sales soared more than sixfold, beating expectations. Analysts raised their fiscal 2001 sales estimates at the time. One, Philip Rueppel at Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown increased his to $310 million from $246 million. Rueppel, who rates the stock ``strong buy,`` was unavailable for comment.

Linux, created in 1991 by Finland`s Linus Torvalds, has gained in the market for servers running Internet sites and corporate networks. Microsoft held the lead last year for new server operating systems shipped, with 38 percent using Windows, and Linux-based systems placed second, with 25 percent, according to IDC, a Framingham, Massachusetts-based research firm.

IDC expects Linux to grow faster than any other server operating system in new shipments through 2004.

One challenge for Linux supporters is to create enough easy- to-use programs so that consumers will want to buy systems running the program, analysts have said. Microsoft`s Windows runs on 88 percent of all personal computers, while only 4 percent run Linux, IDC said.

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Ist gerade erst reingekommen

VA Linux Shares Fall on Wider Loss, Slowing Sales (Update4)
By Anthony Massucci

Fremont, California, Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- VA Linux Systems Inc. shares dropped as much as 43 percent, a record, after the software and computer maker said its fiscal first-quarter loss was wider than forecast because sales to Internet companies fell.

VA Linux, which makes products using the Linux computer operating system, dropped $12.38 to $17.75 in midafternoon trading. It fell as low as $17, erasing $684 million in market value. The shares have fallen 91 percent this year.

The company cut its fiscal 2001 sales forecast by 10 percent to $270.7 million from $300.8 million and expects a wider first- quarter loss because many Internet companies that had planned to buy its products pared spending. Some Internet companies shut down this year after sales fell and they ran out of money, and others are reducing spending to survive.

``All of our larger customers are in the Internet market,`` VA Linux spokesman Patrick Fossenier said. The company is trying to add more non-Internet related companies as customers, he said.

Akamai Technologies Inc., which sells a service to move Internet data faster, is Fremont, California-based VA Linux`s largest customer. Web-site and television-programming operator Cnet Networks Inc. and Exodus Communications Inc., the world`s biggest operator of companies` Web sites, also are customers.

Larger rivals including International Business Machines Corp., Compaq Computer Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. pose ``significant competition`` because they have more money and bigger sales forces, VA Linux said in an Oct. 26 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Those companies sell Linux systems as well as computers using other operating software such as Microsoft Corp.`s Windows and varieties of Unix.

Revised Outlook

``We`re changing the guidance on revenue but not changing the guidance on earnings going forward,`` Fossenier said. The company reiterated its expectation of becoming profitable by the end of next year.

VA Linux expected to win more customers by the quarter`s end after spending on marketing and other expenses, Fossenier said. The company expects a loss of 14 cents to 16 cents in the quarter ended Oct. 27.

The company expects to issue first-quarter results Nov. 16.

VA Linux was expected to have sales of $305.9 million in fiscal 2001 and a loss of 26 cents a share, according to a First Call/Thomson Financial poll of analysts. It had fiscal 2000 sales of $120.3 million. The company was forecast to have a first- quarter loss of 9 cents, the average estimate in a First Call poll of six analysts.

Analyst Ratings

Five analysts rate VA Linux shares ``buy`` or ``strong buy,`` while two rate it ``outperform.`` Only Lehman Brothers` George Elling could be reached for comment, and he declined to answer questions. Elling reiterated his ``outperform`` rating, his opinion since Jan. 3, when the shares traded at $207 each.

Keith Bachman, an analyst at ABN Amro, cut his rating today to ``hold`` from ``add.``

VA Linux executives are in Japan and unavailable for comment, Fossenier said.

While the Linux operating-system code is free, VA Linux sells server computers with customized versions of the program and Linux- based products such as e-mail. Internet companies prefer Linux because it`s easier than rival codes to modify, and products that use it are cheaper. Linux`s adaptability spawned companies such as VA Linux and rival Red Hat Inc.

Selling computer servers and systems to Web businesses comprises almost 92 percent of VA Linux` sales. About 4.1 percent comes from consulting services and 4.1 percent from advertising and sponsorships on its company-run Web sites, where Linux users can discuss modifying the program, Fossenier said.

The company said in August that fiscal fourth-quarter sales soared more than sixfold, beating expectations. Analysts raised their fiscal 2001 sales estimates at the time. One, Philip Rueppel at Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown, increased his to $310 million from $246 million. Rueppel, who rates the stock ``strong buy,`` was unavailable for comment.

Linux History

Linux, created in 1991 by Finland`s Linus Torvalds, has gained in the market for servers running Internet sites and corporate networks. Microsoft held the lead last year for new server operating systems shipped, with 38 percent using Windows, and Linux-based systems placed second, with 25 percent, according to IDC, a Framingham, Massachusetts-based research firm.

IDC expects Linux to grow faster than any other server operating system in new shipments through 2004.

One challenge for Linux supporters is to create enough easy- to-use programs so that consumers will want to buy systems running the program, analysts have said. Microsoft`s Windows runs on 88 percent of all personal computers, while only 4 percent run Linux, IDC said.