In an effort to expand Linux to areas without the financial resources to explore open source solutions independently, LinuxIT, the largest Linux company providing independent systems integration and professional services in the UK, has joined with the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to provide Linux certification in developing Pacific Southeast Asian countries.

LinuxIT will provide free training materials. The UNDP, through its Asia-Pacific Development Information Program and International Open Source Network (IOSN), will provide capital. Support of open source programs has been actively championed by the IOSN sine 1997. Its mission is to support Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a revenue-generating source throughout Southeast Asia.

Khairil Yusof, UNDP's IOSN manager, explained, "We believe that high quality, open access training materials, with vendor-neutral and affordable, internationally recognized Linux skills certification, are critical components in addressing the issue of qualified human resource shortages. We are very pleased to be able to utilize LinuxIT's expertise in the shape of their training manuals, and we are now planning to introduce sustainable Linux training and certification in other countries in the Asia-Pacific region."

Until now, IT certification has been beyond this region's reach, because of high poverty rates. The area, however, has showed an ability to learn Linux, and implement it. Trainees, who took part in a pilot training program in Vietnam using LinuxIT materials, achieved LPI Level 1 certification, which enables them to train others. Affordable certification is also being spread by other recently LPI Level 1 certified proctors. They are making LPI certification an attainable goal for others.

Adrian Thomasset, training manager at LinuxIT, said: "We are continuously striving to provide the user community with professional training and support. Being part of this initiative, we are able to extend the reach of the LPI training courses to those unable to afford the usual fees. It also allows us to share our experience and investment, so that the developing world can benefit from the work that went into creating the manuals."

Through LinuxIT's efforts, Linux gains a foothold in areas of the globe not immediately thought of as untapped markets having viable customers, or even capable of providing skilled Linux professionals. As the largest IT infrastructure provider in the UK, integrating Linux and open source solutions with Microsoft and other companies' technologies, the effort, in the long run, can help the company grow. LinuxIT's customers include the largest and most widely known IT providers.