Red Hat launches Tamil Linux operating system

Red Hat India, a provider of open source solutions has launched a Tamil version of its Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system in the city today.

The company already has local language operating system software in Bangla, Punjabi, Hindi and Gujarati.

"We were able to do localisation in a year and a half. This not only shows our commitment to the local market but also of the community that contributes to Linux (code)," said Javed Tapia, director, Red Hat India at the launch of the Tamil Linux operating system.

In addition to the operating system, the Red Hat Enterprise Linux version 4-Tamil includes office suite with a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation tool as well as a web browser (Firefox) and e-mail client.

Red Hat is targeting the government and educational institutions for marketing its software.

"The availability of local language software gives rise to content development in entertainment, education, e-governance and rural projects. PCs are now more or less an urban phenomenon, this will help take it to the rural areas as well," added Tapia.

The cost for the entire Linux version-4 Tamil suite subscription cost is Rs 1,950, which includes telephonic and web-based technical support for the first year and upgrades for seven years.