Linux could soon be in more devices following the release of the first specification and reference implementation from the CE Linux Forum (Celf), a consortium of manufacturers which aims to optimise the operating system for information appliances and other devices.

Celf's specification and implementation, freely available from its web site, is not intended to become a separate fork of Linux, but to provide enhancements to optimise the operating system for embedded designs - for example to improve power-saving and security, and to speed startup and shutdown. Celf said it will work with the open-source community and feed its changes back into mainstream Linux development.

Celf was formed last year by electronics companies Panasonic, Sony, Hitachi, NEC, Philips, Samsung, Sharp and Toshiba and now includes over 50 members.

"With the first anniversary of Celf comes a reaffirmation of the strong desire among vendors to promote and use Linux as a major technology component of digital products," said the organisation's Steering Committee chairman Scott Smyers.

Linux is already used in a number of devices, notably Sharp's Zaurus PDAs, as well as network storage appliances and thin client terminals.

Motorola last year announced a smartphone handset running an embedded version of the operating system provided by MontaVista Software.

MontaVista has issued a statement endorsing the Celf specification, and the firm's chief executive, Jim Ready, added that MontaVista Linux Consumer Electronics Edition already incorporates most of the Celf features.

However, Linux faces stiff competition in the device market from Windows CE embedded software. Microsoft's code is used in many Windows-based thin client terminals and forms the core of its Pocket PC and Smartphone platforms. Key for device makers is the fact that Windows CE and its derivatives come with a ready-made user interface. Windows CE version 5.0 was released to hardware makers last month and includes security enhancements and drivers for many hardware components.