Bonus Interview: VA Linux CEO Larry Augustin

We all heard about the extraordinarily successful VA Linux Systems IPO. And, of course, there was an SEC-mandated "quiet period" after that IPO during which VA executives and employees could hardly open their mouths. That quiet period is over. This is one of the first "post-IPO" interviews anywhere with CEO Larry M. Augustin and Linux Evangelist (his official title) Chris DiBona. Ask away!

Comments

VA Linux Software Patent Intentions

[Aaron M. Renn]

In your S-1, you mention that you have applied for a patent. Here is the relevant paragraph:

Our systems consist primarily of commodity hardware components in
combination with the Linux operating system. While we have developed some
proprietary techniques and expertise, most of our activities and systems are not
protectable as proprietary intellectual property and may be used by competitors,
harming our market share and product revenues. To protect our intellectual
property, we generally enter into confidentiality or license agreements with our
employees, consultants and corporate partners. We have also recently commenced a
patent program and to date have filed one patent application. In general,
however, we have taken only limited steps to protect our intellectual property.
Accordingly, we may be unable to use intellectual property to prevent other
companies from competing with us. In addition, we may be unable to prevent third
parties from developing techniques that are similar or superior to our
technology, or from designing around our copyrights, patents and trade secrets.

I realize you will not want to disclose the details of your pending patent application, but I am interested in knowing whether or not it is a software patent. And, what VA's policy towards software patents is, in general. Will VA apply for software patents? If so, how will they be licensed? Will they be made available on free software terms to free software developers?

Linux Development

[Hrunting]

As a Linux systems retailer, you're in the unique position of actually being able to foster development of the operating system that you sell with your systems.

What areas of Linux do you see as needing the most attention? As a company, what would be the best change(s)/addition(s) to Linux and/or it's distributions to help you market your systems?

THE question, plus some minor ones.

[Nicolas MONNET]

Much like most net-related IPOs, VA's valuation is impressively high. Much higher than bigger and older companies which have proven to be able to actually MAKE money. So let's assume that this valuation actually means something. How do you see VA Linux fulfilling this promise, IOW, what will it be like when it will sell as much as its stock price mean? Will it compete directly with Compaq and the likes on the server market?

On a related note: VA Linux is currently mostly in the Linux server and workstation market. Are you considering expanding towards other devices, like special purpose appliances?

And last BUT NOT LEAST. There's a few reasons why I'm not going to buy a VA Linux box NOW. Well first of all I live in Europe and I don't think you do sell here. And then ... YOUR CASES ARE UGLY! :) Not that it's THAT important, but that's one of the reasons why I've always dreamt of an SGI workstation ... So are you going to hire a designer anytime soon?

Joint marketing effort?

[Floris]

What I have always been wondering about when watching all the little companies (and the not-so-little companies) that build and support Linux as an OS is when we will see Linux commercials on big-time commercial TV.

Some CEOs of Linux-related companies have said that their goal right now is to "grow the Linux market" rather than competition with the other vendors. The main competition would be Microsoft rather than each other.

However, Microsoft has a massive marketing machine at its disposal. The Linux vendors dont have nearly its marketing muscle. Are there any plans for a joint marketing effort to counter that?

Prices and availability

[FascDot Killed My Pr]

Two questions:

1) Every time I need to buy a computer (for self or business) I check out VA Linux Systems. But your prices are always $500-$1000 higher than even the Microsof-tax laden goods from someone like Gateway or Dell. Is this all due to volume discounts or is there something else at work?

2) When will VA Linux be selling laptops?
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IPO Question

[jezzball]

I know how you choose the people you picked as friends and family (being one of them), but were there any specific HOW-TOS you looked through? Did you weight projects? Is there a place where you've amassed this information for people to look at?

I was quite surprised myself at being picked, as several other people who I felt have contributed more than me weren't.

Jezzball (Jobe)
ls: .sig: File not found.

Plans for other platforms?

[imac.usr]

Specifically, the new PowerPC motherboards that some companies are planning to build...is VA planning any systems around these boards, or do you see a market for platforms other than i386 in your company's future?

The next step

[DarkRyder]

Now that the IPO period is over, what directions do you see VA Linux moving in? Are there projects that have been placed on the back burner until the IPO could 'make it possible'? If not, have projects been untertaken, or put into the planning stages, that wouldn't have been if the IPO hadn't taken place? Or is this just a calculated business move, with no plans beyond simple, steady growth as a company behind it?

Your view of Linux and the open source movement

[God I hate mornings]

I've been watching with keen interest both Linux and the open source movement with great interest for the past few years. Now with anything Linux being the darling of Wall Street, it would seem all one has to do is mention Linux and watch the rush of money.

My question is this:
How do you, personally, view your fellow Linux distributors? Do you see them as competition to be toppled? Or do you view them as competitors in a worthwhile cause?