The company will also announce next week a 60-day free trial of the Red Hat Network, available through www.redhat.com , that will include access to directory services, outbound user notifications, an automated stream of open-source software, and access to community support forums.

CNN: Red Hat unveils new support network for users

With some functional similarities to the online data base jointly announced by IBM, Microsoft, and Ariba earlier this month, the Red Hat Network will serve as a central warehouse where developers can register information on their hardware and software systems, enabling other developers to better pursue joint projects.

CNN: Red Hat unveils new support network for users

In concert with its Network, the company will also announce Version 7.0 of Red Hat Linux, with several new features including an enhanced version of Xfree86, which offers significantly better 3D graphics support, USB support for printers, mice, keyboards and scanners, OpenSSL for more secure communication over the Web, and a more customizable desktop environment.

CNN: Red Hat unveils new support network for users

Red Hat hopes its support of multiple open source applications running on Linux will make the platform more attractive to corporate network managers looking for cheaper alternatives to commercial server operating systems.

CNN: Red Hat to support "all things open source"