The nonprofit foundation supporting the growth of Linux

Apr 5, 2007 09:19 GMT  ·  By

The Linux Foundation has announced that three new companies have become its members, representing the increasing opportunity for Linux as it continues to gain popularity on mobile devices. The new companies are Marvell, the leader in storage, Nokia the leading phone manufacturer and VirtualLogix.

"It's really important to understand the issues and opportunities for Linux in multiple environments, and the addition of Marvell, Nokia and VirtualLogix will deepen our understanding and help us all push the envelope even further," said Jim Zemlin, executive director of The Linux Foundation. "We're looking forward to rolling up our sleeves with these new members in the coming months, including at our first Member Meeting this June."

Each of the three companies has joined the Linux Foundation for a specific reason. Marvell has joined with a focus on the standardization of mobile and embedded Linux and its adoption on a wide range of devices, claiming that there has been a strong interest in Linux among their customers and aiming to better support the increased demand. Finish phone manufacturer Nokia, recognized for its Linux bease Maemo platform, open source web browser and developer portal, is working with the LF on Linux-based technologies, including its Internet Tablet in a vendor-neutral environment, while VirtualLogix has joined to contribute its real-time virtualization expertise, aiming to help device manufacturers in incorporating the rich functionality of Linux into cell phones and reduce the bill of materials.

"VirtualLogix looks forward to working with the LF and the LF virtualization workgroup to help speed the adoption of Linux into embedded devices at a lower cost," said Michel Gien, executive vice president of corporate strategy, VirtualLogix. "With virtualization technology, manufacturers will be able to reduce bill of materials, manage multiple operating systems within a single hardware environment and increase product performance."