Linux development group the Open Source Development Lab (OSDL) has launched a framework of initiatives aimed at developing Linux to make it more attractive for telecoms and enterprise data centre deployment.

A telecoms workgroup has been announced at the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo in New York, and the OSDL is calling on interested parties to help form the data centre group before the end of the quarter.

Aiding the telecoms initiative, the OSDL also announced five additional members largely drawn from the telecoms sector. According to the OSDL, the goal is to develop a true "carrier-grade" Linux.

Alcatel, Cisco and Nokia are among the telecoms equipment providers joining the group, while Toshiba and embedded Linux software company Montavista also joined the industry-led non-profit organisation.

Existing members Hewlett Packard (HP), IBM, Intel, Red Hat and Suse will also take part in the working group.

"The new group creates a neutral place for Linux developers to expand into the service provider market. We aim to create the infrastructure that enables vendors to develop products around it," said OSDL director Tim Witham.

The group's efforts come as major industry players such as IBM and HP used the LinuxWorld show to trumpet the success of their Linux products in enterprise deployments, while setting their sights on the telecoms market.

One of the key aims of the group is to make sure Linux develops in a consistent way, according to Ari Virtanen, vice president at Nokia Networks. "We must avoid fragmentation of the Linux kernel," he said.

The group aims to have the first compliant Linux products developed through the technical working group available by the end of this year.