At the 3GSM World Congress, Access, the company who bought PalmSource last year announced the Access Linux Platform (ALP). What they call “the latest evolution of PalmOS for Linux” is a Linux-based platform aimed at smartphones and other mobile devices.

“We believe that ALP combines best-in-class open source Linux components with proven mobile technologies developed by PalmSource and ACCESS' Linux expertise,” said Toru Arakawa, president and CEO of Access Co Ltd.

The Linux 2.6.12-based ALP will run Java, GTK+ and even Palm OS 5 applications through an emulation layer. The preferred API, though is the new native MAX interface which offers the most complete access to system services.

ALP devices will come bundled with Access' own NetFront Web browser, along with a media player based on the Linux GStreamer framework, messaging, HotSync, PIM and telephony applications, the company said in the announcement.