Torvalds backs kernel tracking system

Linus Torvalds' enterprise Linux organisation has backed an enhanced process for tracking developers' contributions to the Linux kernel.

The Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) will support enhancements to the Linux kernel submission process, which will be able to track any changes more accurately as well as ensure developers receive credit for their contributions.

Linux creator Torvalds and Linux 2.6 kernel maintainer Andrew Morton said they adopted the revised process after getting support from key kernel subsystem maintainers and others in the open source community.

The process uses a document called a Developer's Certificate of Origin (DCO) to track contributions and contributors.

"This process improvement makes Linux even stronger," said Torvalds in a statement.

"We've always had transparency, peer review, pride and personal responsibility behind our open source development method. With the DCO we're trying to document the process. We want to make it simpler to link submitted code to its contributors. It's like signing your own work."

OSDL chief executive Stuart Cohen said in a statement: "The Linux development process has worked well for more than 10 years, but with its success has come new challenges.

"The measure we announce today goes a long way toward eliminating doubt surrounding the origin of Linux code, and does so without placing any undue burden on the development community."