OSDL looks to boost Linux standard adoption

The Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) has teamed up with the Free Standards Group (FSG) to accelerate enterprise adoption of the FSG's Linux Standard Base (LSB) with new services to support software vendors developing applications.

The LSB specification is designed to prevent Linux fragmentation. Linux distributions that comply with the LSB will be interoperable with application software written to the standard.

Under the terms of the agreement OSDL will provide infrastructure and outreach support staff to software vendors who are writing LSB-compliant applications for Linux.

The FSG will work with the OSDL to capture vendors' feedback and requirements for future releases of the LSB specification. The two organisations will work together in Europe, Asia/Pacific and the Americas to expand membership of both organisations.

OSDL chief executive Stuart Cohen said in a statement: "At OSDL we realise a standard for Linux is an essential component of Linux's continued success in the enterprise. The FSG is leading that standard with the announcement of LSB 2.0.

"We are pleased to work with the FSG to further extend and test the standard in enterprise settings. Our two organisations are united behind one goal - accelerating the adoption of Linux."

The move marks an expansion of the two organisations' existing relationship. FSG has partnered OSDL on a new open project called the OSDL Working Set, which aims to identify and quantify the most commonly deployed packages with Linux in enterprise production environments.