VA Linux Systems Ships New Entry-Level 2U Rackmount Server

VA Linux 2130 Server Value-Priced, Ideal for ISPs; Updated 1000 Server Also Now Available

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- May 17, 2000 -- VA Linux Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: LNUX) today announced that it has started shipping the VA Linux 2130 server--an entry-level 2U (3.5") rackmount server ideal for ISPs and lower-end server applications. The 2130 server complements VA Linux Systems' 2200 series of high-performance 2U servers, and further expands VA Linux Systems' product line--the industry's broadest offering of ultra-dense Linux servers for Internet infrastructure.

The 2130 server provides a value-priced Web server solution starting at under $1,400. Customers are given the unique option of choosing either an Intel(R) Celeron(R) processor for an economical server solution, or an Intel(R) Pentium(R) III processor for increased power. As VA's entry-level 2U Linux server, the VA Linux 2130 is targeted for less processor-intensive applications not requiring a second CPU. Customers requiring more processing power in a 2U form factor continue to have the option of purchasing VA Linux Systems' industry-leading high-performance 2200 series server.

"For companies contending with rapid Internet site growth, VA Linux offers cost-effective solutions that can reliably scale, backed by expertise and services that move at the speed of Open Source," said Brian Biles, vice president of marketing, VA Linux Systems. "With the addition of the entry-level 2U Linux server, VA Linux continues to forge ahead with the industry's broadest line of build-to-order 1U and 2U Linux servers designed to meet the most demanding needs of our Internet infrastructure and e-business customers."

Other options offered for the 2130 server include Gigabit Ethernet; the choice of either an economical Ultra ATA/66 IDE hard drive or a higher-speed Ultra2 SCSI hard drive; and up to 512MB of memory.

Recent Updates to VA Linux 1000 Server and New Storage Options

VA Linux Systems also announced updates to its 1000 server, now available with faster processor speeds (up to 800MHz Intel(R) Pentium(R) III processors); optional Gigabit Ethernet support; and up to 2GB of memory.

Further, the company has expanded its range of storage options for the VA Linux 2200 series and the StartX MP, adding VXA tape drives from Ecrix to the full line of disk and tape storage products available through VA Linux.

As with all systems from VA Linux, the 2130 and the 1000 series have been tested and configured for optimal Linux compatibility and include VA's award-winning "Total Linux Coverage"[tm]--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 Internet infrastructure.

About VA Linux Systems

VA Linux Systems is a recognized leader in advancing Linux and Open Source solutions for Internet infrastructure. VA Linux provides a single point of contact for Linux systems, Open Source software expertise, 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. Founded in 1993 and 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" in 1999. 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). International Data Corporation (IDC) recently ranked VA Linux Systems as a top five Linux server vendor in Q4 1999.

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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, 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