Linux group campaigns for the desktop

The Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) is launching a campaign to accelerate corporate uptake of desktop Linux through a Desktop Linux Working Group.

OSDL, home of Linus Torvalds and the Linux kernel, said that the initiative was launched in response to its members from around the world, including the US, Europe, Japan and China.

The working group will identify a broad set of Linux desktop models, and develop specifications and deliver reference implementations.

It will be supported by OSDL's Linux User Advisory Council, which is made up of senior IT executives from Global 500 companies.

OSDL said that the organisations will help set the agenda for the desktop Linux initiative through a committee, with representatives from freedesktop.org, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, Novell, Red Hat and Sun Microsystems.

Tim Witham, OSDL lab director, said in a statement: "Linux has started to make inroads on the desktop in many areas of enterprise computing such as kiosks, fixed-function workstations, technical workstations and point-of-sale.

"Of particular interest to our exploratory committee is how to accelerate the use of Linux where it has already demonstrated demand based on its strengths."

Keith Packard, of freedesktop.org, a free software project focused on interoperability and shared technology for desktop environments for the X Window System, indicated that it was an important step for Linux adoption.

"We are excited to see OSDL providing a vendor-neutral setting where developers and corporate users can work together to further improve the Linux desktop and help corporations get the most out of their investment," he said.

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