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Red Hat Selected by Delphi Automotive Systems to Supply Software to Connect Cars to the Internet

8 January 2001

Red Hat Selected by Delphi Automotive Systems to Supply Software to Connect Cars to the Internet

    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--Jan. 8, 2001--

Red Hat's Powerful and Flexible eCos Used for Embedded Telematics Program

    Red Hat, Inc. , a leader in developing, deploying and managing open source Internet infrastructure, today announced that Delphi Automotive Systems is deploying eCos(TM) as part of its Telematics products for in-vehicle information services.
    Red Hat eCos (Embedded Configurable Operating System) will be used in several Telematics products and has been selected for Delphi's recently announced "Mobile Productivity Center" (MPC), which is a platform for users of PDAs and cellular phones. The Delphi MPC allows for hands-free operation of personal electronics like PDAs, along with seamless interface with popular cellular phones. The underlying operating system software is provided by Red Hat, and was selected by Delphi to allow for migration of applications between single function eCos-based devices and more sophisticated Linux-based in-car computing platforms.
    "Delphi Automotive Systems' selection of eCos is additional proof of Red Hat's ability to take the power of open source and industry leading support services to the embedded market, specifically in the growing area of in-car communications systems," said Michael Tiemann, chief technology officer of Red Hat. "Delphi came to us with specific requirements that included a Linux application interface and uITRON API compatibility, and we were able to quickly leverage our extensive technical expertise to deliver a cost-effective, single solution that we believe will meet their needs."
    The eCos Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) is a highly configurable operating system designed to meet the needs of small and medium sized embedded systems. eCos creates an extremely small footprint required by the new generation of post-PC devices with strict configuration and memory requirements. Using this small footprint, eCos is well suited for appliance type products that have tight budget constraints for memory and may require hard real-time system performance.

    About EL/IX Compatibility Layer

    The flexibility and configurability of eCos has made it not only the choice for implementing uITRON applications, but also an ultra-compact, real-time vehicle for embedded Linux programmers. Although eCos is not embedded Linux, it can support EL/IX, an embedded Linux compatibility layer for programmers that want to use the Linux API in devices that are too small for a full version of Linux. For more information about the EL/IX initiative, and how eCos and Linux fit in the spectrum of Post PC computing, visit http://sources.redhat.com/elix.

    The eCos Real-Time Operating System

    Architected as an open source RTOS, eCos is highly customizable and adaptable, and can be easily configured with the aid of the eCos GUI configuration tool to meet exacting application-specific requirements.
    Since eCos is an open-source standard created by Red Hat, it inherently provides engineers with maximum control, flexibility and understanding, over all aspects of their embedded solution. Red Hat provides a full range of eCos Developer Kits, which are integrated with the latest releases of GNUPro, support programs and custom engineering services.

    About Delphi Mobile Multi-Media Programs

    Delphi is the principle supplier of hardware that supports US-based Telematics systems, and is cooperating with many auto manufacturers to provide solutions for services such as enhanced safety and security, vehicle tracking, collision detection, and location identification.
    Telematics is two-way voice or data communication exchange between a vehicle and the service center. By accessing a vehicle's data bus, the call center can provide navigation assistance, remote diagnostics and remote door lock/unlock in addition to other services.

    About Delphi Automotive Systems

    Multi-national Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA; Paris; Tokyo and Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a world leader in mobile electronics and transportation components and systems technology. Delphi's three business sectors--Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communication--provide comprehensive product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately 216,000 employees and operates 179 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 41 joint ventures, 53 customer centers and sales offices and 31 technical centers in 39 countries.

    Delphi can be found on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com

    Red Hat, Inc.

    Red Hat offers users one single, trusted point of contact and a common platform for developing, deploying and managing open source across Internet infrastructure and devices that connect to the Internet, ranging from small embedded devices to high availability clusters and integrated Web server/e-commerce OSes. The Red Hat Network, Red Hat's unique management technology, helps companies worldwide easily manage it all by delivering open source products, service, support and information on-line in real-time. In addition to the award-winning Red Hat Linux server operating system, Red Hat offers Stronghold Secure Web Server and Credit Card Verification Software for secure e-commerce and is the principal provider of GNU-based developer tools and support solutions for a wide variety of embedded processors. Red Hat also provides run-time solutions such as Linux, eCos, uClinux, the award-winning RedBoot, custom engineering services, support, and training to organizations in all embedded and Linux markets. Red Hat is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C. and has offices worldwide. Please visit Red Hat on the Web at www.redhat.com. For investor inquiries, contact Lippert/Heilshorn at (212) 838-3777.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release that are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, management's plans and objectives for future operations, and management's assessment of market factors, constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, product plans and performance, the ability to continue to develop the Linux kernel and other software, reliance upon strategic relationships, Red Hat's dependence upon an open source business model, reliance upon independent third-party open source developers, management of growth, expansion of Red Hat's business focus and operations, the possibility of undetected software errors, the enforceability of the GNU General Public License and other licenses under which Red Hat's products are developed and licensed, the risks of economic downturns generally, and in Red Hat's industry specifically, the risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures, the viability of the Internet, and other risks detailed in Red Hat's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be accessed through the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

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