Red Hat will this year introduce a new high-end enterprise qualification, even though some observers question whether such certificates are the best way to demonstrate open-source skills.

Red Hat's move is an attempt to catch up with proprietary commercial rivals. However, experts fear that multiple certification schemes for Linux could lead to the same fragmentation that inhibited Unix adoption.

The Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) qualification is aimed at veteran Linux administrators who already have Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) status - a qualification launched over five years ago. The new curriculum supports datacentre systems and software management skills for Red Hat Enterprise Linux deployment and other open-source technologies.

Although it is widely recognised that Linux qualifications are necessary, some experts believe an open approach is needed.

"These qualifications are very important for corporates and you've seen the strength of the Microsoft and Novell programmes," said John Spiers, IT director at online recruitment firm StepStone. "Red Hat wants a more direct, almost proprietary, relationship with its customers. Most people would say that's neither necessary or desirable in Linux."

Phil Soffe of Spring Technology Staffing Services, said, "Demand for RHCE on a contract basis is pretty much non-existent. Overall, Linux certification is a good thing but I can't see too much value at present."

Red Hat denied the qualification locks users in to its technology, saying all its code is available on an open-source basis. In May, MySQL began offering certification for its open-source database. "Anybody well-trained in Red Hat certification shouldn't have big problems in a mixed environment," said Red Hat marketing director Paul Salazar.