Press Releases

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA -- (January 20, 2004) -- CodeWeavers, Inc., the leading Windows^®-to-Linux^® software developer, today unveiled the CodeWeavers Desktop Linux Certification Program, an ambitious effort that raises the Windows-to-Linux applications movement to a new level of intensity and purpose. Leveraging evolving WINE technology and burgeoning market demand for Windows applications on Linux via a number of strategic business moves, the CodeWeavers initiative is the most market-centric effort yet to create a truly Windows-agnostic Linux desktop environment.

CodeWeavers' Desktop Linux Certification Program includes several key elements:

• A new online CodeWeavers CrossOver Compatibility Center, nicknamed "C4", a Internet-based "headquarters" where Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) can get information about Linux desktop certification for their Windows applications. C4 also gives the Linux desktop community -- now numbering in the millions -- a place to "vote" for Linux support of specific Windows applications, as well as to pledge time and even money to see their favorite or essential Windows applications certified for the Linux desktop.
• The debut of a Desktop Linux Certification Service. The fee-based service, now available to ISVs, provides certification testing of Windows products with CrossOver, CodeWeavers' industry-leading Windows-to-Linux application. Official CrossOver support provides de-facto certification of the application for all distributions of the Linux desktop.
• A new "Desktop Linux Certified^TM" logo for Windows applications that have passed desktop Linux certification testing. Authorized ISVs can place the logo on websites, packaging, product literature, and other marketing materials for their certified Windows applications.
• The continuing maturation of WINE and The WINE Project, the global open-source movement to create a robust and far-reaching software "bridge" for Windows applications to Linux. CodeWeavers is the leading corporate sponsor of WINE (Wine Is Not an Emulator) upon which its CrossOver product line is based. Alexandre Julliard, CodeWeavers' Chief Technology Officer, is recognized around the world as lead maintainer of The WINE Project.

"WINE and CrossOver have matured to the point that we fully expect 95% of all Windows applications to run natively in Linux by the end of 2005 via CrossOver," said Jeremy White, president of CodeWeavers. "What's more, market studies have conservatively estimated that 5% of all the world's PCs will be running Linux as their primary operating system by that time, equating to tens of millions of new desktops each year. The question no longer becomes whether these users should be able to run Windows applications, but rather what is the most efficient way to make such a seachange happen. We believe the Desktop Linux Certification Program is a key step in that direction."

"Linux-based desktop systems offer developers and enterprises significant cost savings and other advantages. Unfortunately, those benefits can be hobbled or wiped out by interoperable or misbehaving software," said Michael Dortch, principal analyst with Robert Frances Group (RFG; www.rfgonline.com). "CodeWeavers' new Desktop Linux Certification Program leverages the company's proven technologies and expertise to provide Windows users an 'all access pass' to the greater economy, elasticity, and freedom of choice of Linux client systems."

Among the first software companies to certify its key applications under the Desktop Linux Certification Program is Applied Wave Research, a world leader in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software. "It was crucial to AWR that we deploy our software on the Linux platform. CrossOver and the Desktop Linux Certification Program proved to be the best and most efficient way to make that happen," says Paul Cameron, VP/Development, Applied Wave Research.

Locus for Information

The CodeWeavers CrossOver Compatibility Center, located at (c4.codeweavers.com), is a clearinghouse for information related to the certification initiative. Linux desktop users will find a database of Windows applications that are supported by CrossOver, along with a response mechanism for volunteering time or money to bring a particular application under support.

"Sometimes, waiting for a software company to initiate certification is not in the interest of the user, especially those who depend on a particular application for their livelihood," said White. "By becoming an official Advocate, Linux users can expedite the process of CrossOver support, either through their own manpower, by funding testing, or by encouraging others to assist in the funding. Not to mention that they also get CrossOver for free."

The CodeWeavers CrossOver Compatibility Center is available immediately for public viewing. For more information about CodeWeavers and its Windows-to-Linux product line, call CodeWeavers at (651) 523-9300 or visit www.codeweavers.com. or call (651) 523-9300.

About CodeWeavers, Inc.:
Founded in 1996, CodeWeavers develops, markets and supports solutions for Linux-based systems. The Company brings expanded market opportunities for Windows software developers by making it easier, faster, and more cost-effective to port Windows software to Unix. CodeWeavers is recognized as a leader in open-source Windows porting technology, and maintains development offices in Minnesota, California, the Netherlands, and Germany. The company is privately held. For more information about CodeWeavers, visit www.codeweavers.com.

CrossOver Office is a trademark of CodeWeavers, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Lotus Notes is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation and/or IBM Corporation. TrueType is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are owned by their respective companies.