Corel Sets Sights On More Linux Companies

A report in today's Toronto Globe & Mail newspaper said that Corel
CEO Michael Cowpland declared his company will snap up more Linux
companies once it acquires Inprise. Cowpland reportedly announced
that Corel wants to become the dominant player in the Linux arena.

The newspaper quoted him as saying, "We're trying to create
critical mass on the Linux side as quickly as possible."

The statement follows reports that Corel will spend $1.1 billion to
acquire Inprise.

Cowpland said no deals are imminent but Corel is prepared to spend at
least $250 million in acquisitions to gain supremacy in Linux
systems, the report said.

Ottawa-based Corel announced Monday that it will buy Inprise in an
all-stock deal that is expected to boost annual revenues by 72
percent.

That deal followed news last week that computer hardware builder VA Linux Systems Inc. acquired Website operator Andover.net for $900 million in cash and stock.

The Linux operating system is expected to pose a strong threat to the
dominance of Microsoft Windows-based platforms.

Reported by Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com.