Tokyo, JAPAN - March 24, 2004 --
The Network Applications Unit of VA Linux Systems Japan K.K. (VA Linux), Japan's leading Linux and Open Source solutions provider, today announced the release of UltraPossum, an Open Source application designed to facilitate global directory services on Linux and other operating systems.

VA Linux has released the UltraPossum beta version and plans on promoting the further development, spread, and implementation of LDAP for Linux.

UltraPossum is a directory solution designed for global systems operating under Linux and other operating systems.

UltraPossum integrates the standard OpenLDAP open source directory server, the Heartbeat protocol, and the server monitoring daemon Mon. By incorporating this software with OpenLDAP, which provides server functionality for LDAP, it is possible to provide directory solutions incorporating diverse functionality, a maintenance system, and a framework for configuration.

Furthermore, Syncbackup, which was released by VA Linux in December of last year, is compatible with OpenLDAP and facilitates synchronous replication and allows for high-availability systems. UltraPossum is also extremely robust, a necessity for global systems, and its flexibility allows for customization and the employment of plug-ins. Another characteristic of UltraPossum is that it easily facilitates LDAPv3 startTLS extensions and security features like LDAP over SSL.

While geared for Linux, UltraPossum is compatible with other Unix-like OS. It is currently being beta tested. For more detailed information, please see the newly opened UltraPossum website (Currently in Japanese only - http://ultrapossum.org/).

VA Linux plans on actively providing users with the information they need and promoting the spread of UltraPossum and OpenLDAP. VA Linux aims to further promote the use of UltraPossum-based global directory solutions, increase functionality for enterprise systems and carriers, and to promote the overall implementation of UltraPossum.

"UltraPossum uses LDAP and was created to allow the construction of large-scale systems. Employing UltraPossum will most likely lead to significant cost reductions that arise from OpenLDAP being deployed over global systems," explains Masahito Taruishi of VA's technology department, and the main developer of UltraPossum. "The name Possum was taken from the marsupial of the same name, which is particularly prevalent in Australia. Furthermore, in Latin, Possum means 'possibility.' We hope that UltraPossum will increase the possibilities for LDAP-based services."

*1: This product includes software developed by the OpenSSL Project for use in the OpenSSL Toolkit(http://www.openssl.org/).

About VA Linux Systems Japan K.K.

http://www.valinux.co.jp/
VA Linux Systems Japan K.K. (Here after referred to as VA Linux) offers a high level of technology consulting and solutions based on Linux and Open Source software. VA Linux was established in September 2000 and has continued to grow. Today VA Linux is one of Japan's most technologically advanced leaders in the Linux and Open Source fields.

About LDAP

OpenLDAP Software is an Open Source suite of directory software for LDAP and is run and developed by the OpenLDAP Foundation (http://www.openldap.org/). LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is a protocol for accessing x.500 directory services. Main specifications are defined by RFC2251 - Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (v3). OpenLDAP is compliant with Mircrosoft Active Directory, Novell edirectory and, likewise, LDAP v3.

VA Linux has been involved in the internationalization of OpenLDAP compliance standards and debugging from the beginning. VA Linux is also an active participant in the OpenLDAP Developers Conference, the foremost conference for OpenLDAP developers. VA Linux will continue its commitment to the development of OpenLDAP through such activities as providing server resources for web hosting for the main developer of OpenLDAP, the OpenLDAP Foundation.

About Trademarks

OpenLDAP is a registered trademark of the OpenLDAP Foundation (USA).
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
UltraPossum is a copyright of VA Linux Systems Japan.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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