Tokyo, JAPAN - May 7, 2004 --
VA Linux Systems Japan K.K. (VA Linux), Japan's leading Linux and Open Source solutions provider, today announced the undertaking of a collaborative development project with NTT Data Corporation (NTT Data) designed to develop a crash analysis tool for the Linux operating system. This tool will allow for the accurate obtainment of crash-related data and crash analysis. The project aims to have the tool in circulation by the first quarter of 2005.

Compared with Unix-based open systems, systems running Linux tend to be much more prone to deadlock and weaker at pinpointing failures that occur at the interface between middleware, the OS, and hardware. Through the automated recording of all internal data at the time of failure and the sophisticated analysis of this internal data, this Linux crash analysis tool will provide an essential solution to problems that occur on systems running Open Source Software.

The main functions and features of the crash analysis tool are as follows:

1. Allows for the Accurate Collection of Data at the Moment the Problem Occurs
   Even in the event of an unexpected failure, this tool will make it possible to quickly ascertain the cause of the problem by employing a mechanism that will accurately record information on the OS, applications, and middleware, in the form of crash dump data.
   
   
2. No Need for Propriety Hardware = Low-Cost Crash Analysis
   The combined knowledge and experience of VA Linux and NTT Data makes it possible for the entire data collection mechanism to be software-based. This lack of the need for propriety hardware makes low-cost implementation a reality.
   
   
3. Comprehensive Data Analysis (including applications)
   Most current crash dump data collection mechanisms are structured to primarily focus on device drivers and kernel error correction. Therefore, these mechanisms are often limited to acquiring data concerning the Linux Kernel. However, with this new crash analysis tool, it will be possible to record all data (including application data) and analyze the causes of complex failures - even intertwined crashes involving applications, middleware, operating systems, and hardware.
   
   
4. Faster Crash Analysis
   In order to ascertain the cause of the crash at the most fundamental level, it is necessary to break-down and analyze crash dump data recorded at the moment of the failure or system crash. This sort of analysis is only possible when undertaken by high-level engineers who are versed in the internal workings of Linux and Open Source software. Currently, Linux crash dump analysis is performed with basic debugging tools. The development of this new Linux crash analysis tool will help to better provide diagnostic specialists with the necessary information that they need in an accurate and clearer fashion. Through the use of this Linux crash analysis tool, highly competent specialists will be able to diagnose the source of problems in a much timelier fashion than is currently possible.
   
   

The accurate ascertainment and analysis of the cause of crashes in Linux systems will be made possible through this collaborative development and the employment of crash analysis methods and crash-related data collection/analysis tools. Accordingly, the ability to take preventative measures will also become a reality. Based on these developments, the reliability of the operational aspects of Linux systems will be greatly increased. This reliability will lead to a greater piece of mind for enterprise market clients using Linux and Open Source applications.

Tetsuya Ueda, president and CEO, states, "The combination of NTT Data's knowledge and experience in working with global systems and VA Linux's unparalleled proficiency (in the Japanese market) with the Linux Kernel will allow us to better meet the needs of the enterprise market, which demands the utmost level of reliability. I am confident that this joint development project will dramatically increase the reliability of the Linux system and make Linux's position in the enterprise market an unwavering one."

About VA Linux Systems Japan K.K.

Founded in September 2000, VA Linux Systems Japan is a leader in Open Source consulting market. Through its Linux Kernel skill, VA Linux Systems Japan is providing advanced technology consultings and software solutions based on Linux and Open Source.
http://www.valinux.co.jp/en/

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