Linux operating system distributor Red Hat Inc. and microprocessor maker Intel Corp. are teaming up on a joint channel partner program, the companies announced at the Intel Solutions Summit in San Diego March 19.

The move comes as Linux is gaining even more momentum in the enterprise and Red Hat makes moves to become a force in the desktop market, too.

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Designed to allow Intel channel partners to rapidly enter the Linux market, the Global Channel Acceleration Program gives participants a way to sell supported pre-certified solutions that combine Raleigh, N.C.-based Red Hat's portfolio of software on Intel hardware platforms.

The program reduces the time-to-market from months to days, the companies said in a statement, and is available to Intel Channel Partner Premier and Associate Program members.

"We're very pleased to help our Intel Channel Partner Program members with rapid entry into the expanding Linux marketplace with Red Hat's comprehensive portfolio of solutions and new ways to provide their customers with more value," said Steve Dallman, general manager of Intel's worldwide channel, in a statement. "The Global Channel Acceleration Program also paves the way to ongoing revenue possibilities made possible by Red Hat's subscription renewal model of payment."

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Participation in the Global Channel Acceleration Program is offered at no charge, but free enrollment in Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel's Enterprise Server Acceleration Alliance (ESAA) and Red Hat Ready program is required.

More information about the program is available at this website.