VA Linux Systems Broadens Server Product Line With High-Performance 1U Rackmount Server

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- March 15, 2000 -- VA Linux Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: LNUX), a recognized leader in advancing Linux and Open Source solutions, today announced the availability of the VA Linux Systems 1000 server--a high-performance, very high density rackmount server in a 1U (1.75") format. Designed to meet the needs of customers in intensely space-conscious co-location environments, the 1000 brings new power and affordability to the Internet marketplace. The VA Linux 1000 series broadens VA Linux Systems' server product line, which now ranges from an ultra-compact single- or dual-processor 1U server for Internet and web serving, to a quad-processor 7U server for enterprise and e-commerce services including mail, file serving, and database applications.

VA Linux also announced updates to its FullOn[tm] 2200 series 2U rackmount server, which currently offers up to a quarter terabyte (250GB) of mass storage--the largest storage capacity of any server in its class. The FullOn 2U server, first introduced in November 1999, will offer a slim CD-ROM and floppy drive as a standard feature with its 2250 model, which can have up to five hot-swappable SCSI hard drives. In addition, the models 2240 and 2230 will offer an internal 50GB tape drive option. The updated FullOn 2200 series will be available at the end of this month.

"VA Linux Systems' high-performance, high-density 1U and 2U servers are designed to meet the reliability and scalability requirements of our customers in the Internet infrastructure and scientific computing markets," said Brian Biles, vice president of marketing for VA Linux Systems. "The Linux and Open Source expertise of our engineers enables us to design and fine-tune Linux systems that will provide our customers with significantly lower total costs of system ownership than proprietary solutions."

The 1000 is available starting at under $3,000 and supports a single or dual Intel(R) Pentium(R) III processors; up to 1GB of error correcting (ECC) memory; up to two high-performance SCSI drives, or up to two low-cost IDE hard drives; up to 60GB of storage capacity; a slim CD-ROM drive; and integrated dual port ethernet. The 1000 also features enclosure monitoring of server temperature and processor cooling fans, with LEDs that reflect enclosure monitoring, power on/off status, LAN activity, and IDE hard drive activity.

As with all systems from VA Linux, the 1000 and 2200 series have been tested and configured for optimal Linux compatibility and include "Total Linux Coverage"--support and service as a standard feature. By integrating Linux systems, Open Source software, and world-class professional services and support, VA Linux Systems provides a single point of contact for comprehensive Linux-based solutions.

For more information on the VA Linux 1000 series, please see http://www.valinux.com/systems/.

About VA Linux Systems

Since 1993, VA Linux Systems has been a recognized leader in advancing Linux and Open Source solutions. VA Linux provides a single point of contact for Linux systems, Open Source software, and world-class professional services and support. VA Linux Systems owns and operates SourceForge[tm], the world's largest Open Source development center, as well as Linux.com and Themes.org. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, VA Linux is located on the Web at http://www.valinux.com/.

VA Linux Systems was selected as one of Fortune Magazine's top "Cool Companies," Red Herring's "Top 100 Companies of the Electronic Economy" and Upside's "Hot 100 Companies." VA Linux was awarded the 1999 Linux Journal Editors' Choice Award for Best New Hardware, and was the only company to win multiple "Show Favorite" awards at LinuxWorld Conference & Expo in March 1999 (in Computers and Science/Engineering) and again in February 2000 (in Hardware and Peripherals/Support Services).

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Certain statements in this press release, including statements relating to future market position and results, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different from expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, continued introduction of new products; the evolving market for Linux-based systems; competition with larger and more established companies; the company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and other risks detailed in VA Linux's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be accessed through the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov/.

Note: VA Linux Systems, FullOn, "Total Linux Coverage" and SourceForge are trademarks of VA Linux Systems, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.