OSDL aims to be world Linux hub

The next major Linux kernel update, version 2.6, is due to begin its 'pre-2.6 series', the equivalent of a beta-testing period, next week.

Linux creator Linus Torvalds has not given an exact date for when the beta will kick off, but it is expected to begin shortly. The release coincides with the Open Source Development Laboratory (OSDL) raising its profile in a concerted bid to be the worldwide centre for Linux for the enterprise and telecoms carrier markets.

It is no coincidence that last month Torvalds arrived at the laboratory in Oregon, US, after his spell Transmeta, quickly followed by Linux heavyweights Brian Grega and Andrew Morton.

In May the lab completed an equipment reorganisation, installing additional racks to facilitate further expansion.

OSDL-based Torvalds and Linux kernel maintainer Morton will be responsible for guiding development of the kernel update through to full release around the end of the year.

Doug Kolb, OSDL marketing manager, told vnunet.com the laboratory was being built into a centre of gravity for Linux.

"The OSDL is dedicated to Linux for enterprise and carrier-grade [telecoms] use. We are providing strong support to the Linux community," he said.

Equally significant is the appointment of Grega to the new post of director of business development. His key functions will be to attract more corporate and vendor members and to give greater value to existing sponsors.

Linux veteran Grega previously held business development management positions at Linux systems companies LynuxWorks and MontaVista Software.

The OSDL is a non-profit global consortium of technology companies whose main aim is to promote Linux adoption. It also maintains Data Center Linux for enterprises and Carrier Grade Linux, which has telecoms-specific variations.

Created in 2000, the consortium now has investment backing from most computer industry heavyweights, including Intel, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Dell, Computer Associates, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Cisco, Ericsson, Alcatel and NEC.

Enterprise Linux distributors such as Red Hat and SuSE Linux are also members.

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