Changes to Linux organizations

The Linux Foundation forms from two separate standards
groups
OSDL nad FSG join forces

Linux & Open Source Newsletter By Phil Hochmuth,
01/31/07

While divisions and differences rage on among Linux
and open source vendors, two Linux-focused standards
and technology organizations recently joined forces,
at least ostensibly, for the betterment of the open
source operating system and community.
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Phil Hochmuth is a Network World Senior Editor and a
former systems integrator. You can reach him at
phochmut@nww.com.

The two groups here are the Open Source Development
Lab (OSDL) and the Free Standards Group (FSG). Instead
of calling itself OSDLFSG, the group will be known as
The Linux Foundation — luckily for us.

While both FSG and OSDL promoted the use of Linux and
open source software in general, each group had its
specific focus.

The FSG's main effort was the development and
maintenance of a Linux Standards Base (LSB), a base
set of criteria for software developers to write code
for Linux. The parameters — which all major Linux
distributions adopted — made sure software written to
the LSB would work across multiple Linux platforms.

OSDL took a more targeted approach to Linux
standardization, with its Carrier Grade Linux, Data
Center Linux and Mobile Linux Initiative. These
efforts aimed at outlining standards for Linux for
specific markets, such as carrier, enterprise data
center and cell phone makers.

The group's goal is to give the Linux companies the
same consistency across multiple platforms and
industries as Windows has. Microsoft's success across
multiple markets — servers, to desktop to handhelds —
stems from its tight controls over Windows standards
and development. This is what The Linux Foundation
hopes to emulate by providing technical and legal
support for Linux standardization. With Oracle going
after Red Hat's livelihood and the blurring line
between Novell and Microsoft, The Linux Foundation's
timing is pretty good.
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Received on Fri Feb 2 14:19:39 2007