Models show a demonstration of TmaxOS for notebooks and desktops during an event to unveil the UNIX-based computing platform at the COEX Convention Center, southern Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of TmaxOS



Korean database provider aims for 2 tril. won in sales



By Kim Yoo-chul



Leading Korean software company TmaxSoft has unveiled its own operating system (OS) as part of a bid to further challenge big global software firms such as Oracle and Microsoft (MS).



"One of the key merits of TmaxOS is that the platform has greater openness and stability," TmaxOS CEO Park Hak-rae said at the introduction of TmaxOS at the COEX Convention Center, southern Seoul, Wednesday. "Because TmaxOS supports the programs and systems of Google Android, Apple iOS and MS Windows, users can easily experience TmaxOS with greater affordability."



Park said its OS could become an alternative to existing high-cost vendors such as MS because the UNIX-based TmaxOS is "ideal and customized" for third-party developers to create applications that can be used on PCs and mobile devices.



"We want to stress that the introduction of TmaxOS is to provide a good and reasonable way for users to avoid monopoly vendors such as MS," Park said. "MS dominates the local OS market with a 98 percent share and globally with a 95 percent share. But, unfortunately, Windows isn't a standardized format. Therefore, Windows isn't an answer in an era of cloud computing.



"Korea is too reliant on the MS platform. Monopoly isn't good and it hurts the related ecosystem. Industries suffered from a decision by MS to terminate support of Windows XP in 2014 and this awakened the need for an independent OS."



While highlighting its greater compatibility in software and hardware, the CEO said TmaxOS also provides multitasking functions.



In terms of security, he said the platform is the first OS that has adopted tightened security patches to prevent possible hacking.



"TmaxOS uses a four-step security process with in-house technology by dropping the use of the controversial X-Windows," he said.



The company will introduce an open beta service in July and plans to commercialize the product in October. The basic version of TmaxOS will be free to download, it said.



The Bundang, Gyeonggi Province-based outfit plans to make 2 trillion won in sales by 2020 or earn a 10 percent share of the global market by introducing aggressive campaigns in domestic and overseas markets.



TmaxOS will be available internationally beginning next year via its 11 overseas affiliates, the company said.



During the event, TmaxOS also released its patented digital publishing programs, which the company claims will compete with MS Office programs.



The TmaxOffice, which has the word processor ToWord, the presentation tool ToPoint and the spread sheet tool ToCell, supports formats with MS Office and Hanguel Office. Its web browser, ToGate, supports ActiveX technology.



The 19-year-old company is focusing on price advantages with its three-pronged product line.



Tmax hopes its OS will break the rigid licensing structure led by Oracle, International Business Machines and MS as the Korean software provider is positive that its products are competitive in licensing and maintenance costs given the firm's compatibility with all current database software.



Tmax said it is also eyeing cloud computing and it plans to introduce a platform in the latter half of this year, in what officials say is a move to challenge MS, Google and Amazon.



TmaxSoft has been consistent in building its channel reach with new partners and recently hired former Oracle executives to boost its sales.