X
Business

Malaysia's first 64-bit Linux computing lab

Linux server developer Donovan Systems said it has set up the first 64-bit Linux computing laboratory in Malaysia in partnership with Sunway College.
Written by ZDNet Staff, Contributor
Linux server developer Donovan Systems said it has set up the first 64-bit Linux computing laboratory in Malaysia in partnership with Sunway College.

PETALING JAYA (iStar) - The Penguin64 Lab, which puts Sunway College firmly at the forefront of computing education in Malaysia, will be used to teach 64-bit Linux computing courses and encourage students to develop 64-bit Linux applications.

Equipped with 20 Donovan Endeavor 64-bit Linux servers, the laboratory will initially cater for 80 students, with more than 200 expected to be using the facility in the near future.

"The combination of Linux and 64-bit processing power is the way of the future," said Sunway College principal Elizabeth Lee.

"We are delighted to be able to offer our students the chance to use the latest technology in a hands-on situation. It means they will be equipped with the right skill sets for tomorrow's business needs," she said.

The new laboratory ties in with Donovan's aim to make 64-bit Linux computing a new computing standard in Asia, the company said in a statement.

This latest initiative is part of a strategy to establish resource labs in all tertiary institutions in Asia to teach 64-bit computing courses and Linux applications development.

As well as providing the expertise for the new Penguin64 Lab, Donovan is helping Sunway College to develop its computing curriculum and is offering scholarships to help promote the development of 64-bit Linux applications.

"The momentum for both 64-bit computing and Linux is growing rapidly worldwide, and this is an ideal opportunity for Malaysian students to gain direct experience," said Donovan chief executive officer Gary Foong.

"Through the Penguin64 Lab, students will be exposed to the most advanced technologies for the Internet age. The open-source nature of the labs also means students will be able to interact easily with other institutions to develop new software," he added.

Donovan's Endeavor server costs less than US$2,000 (RM7,600) and is built using a Sun Microsystems' Ultra AXe motherboard with an integrated 300MHz UltraSPARC-IIi CPU.

It is ideal as an Internet or intranet server to host high-traffic Web sites, thousands of mail boxes or a busy database, Donovan claimed.

Donovan Systems is the first Linux server manufacturer in Asia and a committed contributor to open source computing development. It designs and manufactures 64-bit Linux servers, which run on Linux and are powered by the Sun UltraSPARC 64-bit chip.

A pioneer in 64-bit Linux development in Asia, Donovan has established penguin64.org, a Web portal site to encourage software developers, hobbyists and students to port or develop applications for 64-bit Linux systems.

Donovan has also developed the world's first 64-bit Chinese Linux operating system called Chinese Penguin64.

In addition, the company provides comprehensive Linux support services including hardware and software support, integration, consulting and maintenance services.

Founded in 1991, Donovan has its corporate headquarters in Singapore, with research and development, and manufacturing facilities. The company has offices in Malaysia, Hong Kong, China and in Silicon Valley.

Editorial standards