Editor’s note: A few moments ago, Red Hat president and CEO Jim Whitehurst shared this email with Red Hat associates. A few minutes ago, we announced that Red Hat has signed an agreement to combine forces with IBM in the largest software company acquisition to date. Red Hat will remain a distinct unit in IBM.Tomorrow (Oct. 29, 2018), we will have a company all-hands meeting where you will hear from me, Paul, and IBM chair, president, and CEO Ginni Rometty. I hope you can make it. Details on logistics follow this note.In the meantime, I want to explain why I am excited and believe today’s news presents a tremendous opportunity for Red Hat and open source.The first time I stepped foot on Red Hat’s former headquarters at North Carolina State University was a Sunday. I was there to meet with Matthew Szulik, Red Hat’s then CEO. The lights inside the building were off and the doors were locked. I didn’t know what to think. Matthew eventually showed up and we had a refreshingly different interview at a coffee shop,…