Linuxvendor Red Hat plans to release  a directory server based on Netscape technology within weeks.

Red Hat Directory Server is based on technology assets acquired by Red Hat from the Netscape Security Solutions division of America Online in September, 2004.  Once proprietary, the code is now available as open source, licensed under the GPL.  Red Hat Directory Server has been developed and packaged as an integrated, secure solution for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the HP-UX 11i operating environment on HP Integrity and HP 9000 servers, and Solaris systems.

"Red Hat has developed standards-based solutions with security, scalability and manageability in mind from the very beginning, from enhancements in storage management and clustering to releasing the first operating system platform with a fully operational Security Enhanced Linux (SELinux) capability," said Paul Cormier, executive vice President of engineering at Red Hat. "Today we are announcing a massively scalable, secure, reliable, and open source directory server based on enterprise-proven technology.  We are very pleased to offer customers this cost effective, high performance solution in a market where none previously existed."

Red Hat Directory Server is available using the same annual subscription model as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, which includes maintenance, unlimited support incidents and upgrades. It is available for Red Hat Enterprise Linux v.3 and v.4, Solaris, and available on the HP-UX 11i operating environment on HP Integrity and HP 9000 servers. Each release will be supported for five years from initial product availability and includes access to updates and upgrades for active subscribers through Red Hat Network.

"Red Hat Directory Server for HP-UX 11i and Linux offers greater choice to customers while increasing the scalability, reliability, and performance of identity management solutions," said Don Jenkins, vice president of marketing, Business Critical Servers, HP. "With HP's portfolio of advanced virtualization capabilities across Linux and HP-UX coupled with HP Integrity server support for Linux, Windows and OpenVMS, customers can lower the cost of deploying standards-based identity management solutions by consolidating servers in their data centers."

With the availability of Red Hat Directory Server, Red Hat is also creating and sponsoring the Fedora Directory Server project. Fedora Directory Server will mirror the successful Fedora Linux Project by promoting a vigorous, community-based development environment to improve and enhance open source directory server technologies.

In the coming months Red Hat expects to open source additional technologies that were acquired from AOL/Netscape.

Red Hat Directory Server for Enterprise Linux 3 and 4 will be available for purchase through Red Hat and select distributors in mid-June, 2005.