March 11, 2004, Beijing, China – The China Ministry of Information Industry (MII) and Hewlett-Packard (HP) today signed a memo of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in establishing a Linux Software Lab of National Software Industry Public Service Platform.
According to the MOU, HP will work together with its domestic partners to set up the Linux Software Lab, under the leadership of the MII. The Platform will form an important part of the MII’s National Software/Integrated Circuit Public Service Platform – an organization that guides industry development with the provision of resources and technical services to Chinese software enterprises.
Under the terms of the agreement, HP will provide software and hardware valued US$23 million, as well as technical support and training, in the next three years.
Mr. Gou Zhong-wen, Vice Minister, MII and Ms. Carly Fiorina, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, HP were present at the MOU signing ceremony. Ms. Zhang Qi, Director of Information Products Administration Department, MII and Mr. Sun Cheung-Yaw, Worldwide Vice President and China President, HP signed the MOU on the two parties’ behalf.
“The announcement of the National Linux Software Development Public Service Platform demonstrates the government’s new emphasis on providing a healthy environment for enterprises’ development,” said Gou. He thanked HP for its support and said, “Open-source software, including Linux, offers a new direction in software development. The Platform – jointly built by MII and HP – will provide an open platform and comprehensive support for R&D, testing and certification to Chinese companies. I believe the Lab will play an active role in the development of the Chinese Linux industry under the effort of all parties involved.”
“As the first company to respond to the MII’s initiative when it first presented its plan in 2003, HP is extremely honored to have this cooperation lead to such an outstanding result,” said Fiorina. “As the leading player in the global Linux market, we are absolutely committed to proactively advocating and fulfilling the promise of open source standards – in China as well as all over the world.”
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HP delivers vital technology for business and life. The company’s solutions span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing for consumers, enterprises and small and medium business. For the last four quarters, HP revenue totaled $70.4 billion. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.”
