Corel and Linux
What is CLD?
CLD is a distribution of Linux® using Debian and K Desktop Environment (KDE) graphical user interface (GUI). CLD will provide users with a clean and powerful operating system, a simple installation setup and user–friendly interface.
Why did Corel choose to partner with Debian and KDE?
While there are many first–rate distributions of Linux available, Corel chose Debian because it offers an excellent fit with the company’s existing customer base and Linux mission. Debian has a solid charter, a strong worldwide developer base and a thorough testing period. These three factors have contributed to the most comprehensive and cleanest code that provides Corel and its customers with the most robust operating system. Corel is using KDE as the base for CLD because it is the most mature user interface available and has a very “user–friendly” look and feel.
Will CLD be a proprietary distribution?
No. Corel’s corporate mission is to increase, not decrease, compatibility. Corel’s development team has been part of the Linux open source community for quite a while and the company intends to return all of the work it does with the open source community (i.e., KDE, Wine, Debian) to the open source community.
Is Corel fragmenting the market by offering CLD?
In order for Linux to become the operating system of choice among desktop consumers, users need a simple–to–use, install and complete desktop environment. That’s where CLD will fill the gap. CLD will expand the Linux market by helping average desktop users install the operating system quickly and easily. Corel is not fragmenting the market but rather consolidating it by putting its resources into developing the install and a stable, complete desktop. (Corel is currently in the process of applying to be a member of the Linux Standards Base.) The addition of CLD will also strengthen the existing Debian distribution by adding a complete desktop solution to the stable operating system.
Regardless of the installation process or interface used, however, WordPerfect® Office 2000 and other major Corel® applications for Linux will run on all Linux distributions. By building a distribution that is based on the current Debian distribution, and by returning source code back to the community, Corel is helping to support and strengthen the open source community.
How is CLD different from what other distributors such as Red Hat and Caldera offer?
Traditionally Linux has been focused on the server market but Corel believes future growth for Linux depends on moving Linux to the desktop community. Many companies, including Red Hat and Caldera, have done a tremendous amount of work bringing Linux to the server market. However, the majority of Corel’s customers operate in the desktop environment. This is a different distribution focus and a different market.
When will CLD be available?
The product is scheduled to be available by the end of 1999.
Will CLD be available as a standalone or bundled with Corel’s applications?
Corel is still in the process of determining whether CLD will be bundled with Corel applications only, or if it will also be available as a standalone product. Corel’s objective is to give as many desktop users access to Linux as possible and if there is a demand for a standalone product, the company will certainly investigate the opportunity.
Will CLD work on other architectures that the Linux kernel supports, i.e., PPC, SPARC®, Alpha™, etc. or will it only run on x86 architecture? If not, does Corel have plans to support these platforms in the future?
Corel’s priority is to deliver a solution for the x86 environment and will consider others, such as the StrongARM™, after the initial release.
Will Corel release the source code for its major applications?
While Corel recognizes the value of open source development in many areas, and is actively participating in a number of open source efforts such as Wine and development of KDE, the company has no plans to release the source code for its major applications. Corel’s major applications contain many features that rely on code licensed from other vendors, with whom the company has a variety of contractual obligations—one of which is to keep their source code private. Corel could not release its application source code without a tremendous amount of development work to isolate the licensed code, and this work would have a significant impact on release schedules.
When will Corel release further applications for Linux?
Corel anticipates releasing WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux by the end of 1999. This will include WordPerfect 9, Quattro® Pro 9 and Corel Presentations™ 9. The company is targeting release of CorelDRAW® 9, Corel PHOTO–PAINT® 9, Paradox 9 and Corel VENTURA™ for Linux next year.
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