Oracle on July 21 announced that it has acquired Ksplice, whose software enables Linux administrators to perform system updates, bug fixes and security patches without having to take a system offline.
Ksplice is a privately held company based in Cambridge, Mass. Oracle did not disclose terms of the deal.
Oracle, which has customized its own Linux kernel for use in its middleware, said it would add the new software to its Oracle Linux Premier Support package. It expects Ksplice’s IP to bolster sales of software and services against longtime enterprise Linux competitors Red Hat and Novell SUSE Linux.
“The Oracle Linux Premier Support subscription applies [only] to Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel,” Oracle said in a statement. “Oracle does not plan to support Red Hat Enterprise Linux or SUSE Enterprise Linux.”
Oracle said it believes it now will be the only enterprise Linux provider that can offer zero downtime updates.
“System administrators are forced to choose between known best practices and added operational costs when administering Linux updates,” said Ksplice CEO Jeff Arnold.
“Ksplice’s technology will be able to take Oracle’s kernel updates and transform them into zero downtime updates that provide always-accessible systems with no reboot necessary. This results in improved system availability and security as well as reduced operational costs for the customer.”
Ksplice, founded in 2008, has about 700 customers in a number of vertical segments.