The programme will be the first of its kind for Linux solutions development, initially focused on developing and disseminating tools for virtualisation of enterprise computing.

The Red Hat and Intel Solution Acceleration Programme will give customers real-time access to the critical information, tools and support they need to build and optimise high-value Linux solutions on Intel-based platforms, says Jon Bork, director of Intels Open Source Programme Office. This programme will help customers quickly and effectively take advantage of new Intel platforms and technologies as they come to market.

We are responding to what customers have told us they really need to support their advanced deployments of Linux and open source, says Tim Yeaton, executive vice-president of Enterprise Solutions at Red Hat. The programmes that Intel and Red Hat have selected are aimed at equipping customers with in-depth domain knowledge and providing hard core data to make complex architectural decisions.

The Red Hat and Intel Solution Acceleration Programme operates online and at centres that include hubs in McLean, Virginia.; Mumbai; and Munich; and 14 satellite locations spanning the globe. The hubs will be equipped with Intel Itanium 2 and Intel Xeon processor-based servers, Intel Pentium 4 processor-based corporate desktops, Intel Centrino mobile technology-based laptops, and Intel-based storage devices, including key pre-production platforms. All of the centres will be located at Red Hat facilities and be utilised by services and solution experts from Intel and Red Hat, as well as customers and other collaborators who participate in solutions deployment.