14 DAY TRIAL // Google and Linux? Linux and Google? However you may put it, the combination sounds really good doesn't it? Now, this might sound even better since the mighty Google has become the first Open Invention Network (a.k.a. OIN) licensee, with serious intentions of extending the Linux Ecosystem.
According to OIN's latest press release, Google has joined their list of companies which are interested in sharing Linux-based intellectual property. Chris DiBona, open source programs manager with Google states about their new movement of supporting the well known open source operating system:
"Linux plays a vital role at Google, and we're strongly committed to supporting the Linux developer community. We believe that by becoming an Open Invention Network licensee, we can encourage Linux development and foster innovation in a way that benefits everyone. We're proud to participate in OIN's mission to help Linux thrive."
In their turn, the OIN guys were pleased to have a company of Google's caliber by their side. Jerry Rosenthal, OIN chief executive officer, said:
"As we look to grow the Linux Ecosystem, we are pleased to have Google become our first end-user licensee. Google is one of a growing number of companies, of all sizes, that value the openness and collaborative culture of the Linux community. We applaud their support for Linux."
The Open Invention Network company is specialized in acquiring patents and offering them royalty free "to any company, institution or individual that agrees not to assert its patents against the GNU/Linux operating system or certain Linux-related applications", as it is mentioned on the company's official website. Launched in 2005, OIN has received so far investments from important names on the IT market such as IBM, NEC, Novell, Philips, Red Hat or Sony and gathered more than 100 patents and patent applications.