Red Hat Broadens Skill Certifications Program With New Rhct Certification; Red Hat Certified Technician Designed for Production Technicians Supporting Linux Deployments.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

RALEIGH, NC--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 2002

Red Hat, Inc. (Nasdaq:RHAT), the world's premier open source and Linux provider, today announced the expansion of its successful skills certification program to include a new certification: Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT).

RHCT continues Red Hat's well-received performance-based approach to certification: RHCT candidates will experience a hands-on approach by actually working with the systems directly to demonstrate their capabilities with the RHCT competencies. RHCT covers the skills specific to production technicians and are a subset of the skills tested in RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer). RHCT certified technicians can continue their studies to qualify for RHCE certification and progress their careers to become managers of Linux network infrastructures.

RHCT certification will be a valuable goal for those transitioning to Linux from other UNIX operating systems, or who want to prove their competencies at a midway point on the way to RHCE. RHCE is named one of the ten hottest certifications in IT. Persons entering the Linux market from non-IT careers will find RHCT the logical first certification to prove their competency to prospective employers.

Red Hat's launch of RHCT is yet another sign that Linux is making inroads into corporate computing environments.

"Four years ago when we unveiled RHCE, 'entry level' meant system and network administration for specialized Linux servers and internet roles," said Peter Childers, vice president of Global Learning Services at Red Hat. "Now we are preparing a new cadre of certified Linux techicians -- journeymen system administrators who set up and support Linux systems throughout production networks, who have earned RHCT and are on their way to RHCE."

"Enterprise customers are impressed by the caliber and quality of Red Hat's RHCE training and certification," said Tony Moretto, vice president of Global Services for Red Hat. "Now even more people can prove their skills using the same method, and get ready for careers supporting Linux systems inside companies."

The RHCT performance based exam is a half-day, and will be included in RH133 Red Hat Linux System Administration and as RH202 starting in January 2003, the fourth anniversary of the RHCE Program. Details on RHCT and RH133 are available at: http://www.redhat.com/training/rhce/courses/.

About Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Started in January 1999, RHCE is a performance-based training and certification program and de facto standard Linux certification, with over 11,800 RHCE exams taken and 6,600 RHCEs certified. RHCE is the top-rated IT certification overall for quality, chosen number one in multiple categories including overall quality of program, education, and exams. (Certification Magazine/Fairfield Research, Jan. 2002)

About Red Hat

Red Hat is the world's premier open source and Linux provider. Red Hat is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices worldwide. Its European headquarters is based in Surrey, UK, with offices throughout Europe. Please visit Red Hat on the Web at www.redhat.com.

LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. RED HAT is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release that are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, management's plans and objectives for future operations, and management's assessment of market factors, constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, reliance upon strategic relationships, management of growth, the possibility of undetected software errors, the risks of economic downturns generally, and in Red Hat's industry specifically, the risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures, the viability of the Internet, and other risks detailed in Red Hat'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.