As expected, the Open Source Development Labs this week launched a consortium aimed at acclerating the use of Linux on the desktop.
The new Desktop Linux Working Group, which was formally announced on Tuesday as LinuxWorld Expo gets unde rway in New York, will offer desktop usage models and recommendations to promote adoption of the open-source operating system on the desktop, the OSDL said.
The group's objectives were developed by representatives from freedesktop.org, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Novell, OSDL, Red Hat and Sun Microsystems, according to the OSDL.
The OSDL employs Linus Torvalds, the father and lead developer of the Linux kernel. While most other kernel releases have focused on enterprise server improvements, Torvalds and the kernel team placed an increased emphasis on integrating desktop enhancements in the recently released Linux 2.6 kernel.
The desktop initiative joins the OSDL's existing Data Center Linux (DCL) and Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) working groups, the OSDL said.
Several mainstream vendors including Sun, SUSE and Red Hat are vying for leadership in the nascent desktop Linux market. Research firm IDC estimates, for instance, that nearly 3 percent of new desktop units shipped today run Linux.
Discover the benefits of scalable backbone and network services for application and cloud providers.
Network automation is gaining momentum. Here's how you can drive this powerful technology to its full potential.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
