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Open Source Development Labs (OSDL), a global consortium dedicated to accelerating the adoption of Linux® and open source software, and Xandros, the leading provider of easy-to-use Linux alternatives to Windows desktop and server products, today announced that Xandros is joining the Labs to help drive the adoption of desktop Linux. Xandros will participate in OSDL's Desktop Linux (DTL) working group with a specific focus on advancing standards-based usability and consistency.
Analyst firm IDC has reported that Linux on the desktop will make large gains in just the next couple of years with $10 billion in annual revenues by 2008. A number of indicators are pointing to this conclusion. For example, the popular Portland Project initiated by OSDL Desktop Architects is playing an important role in building a set of common interfaces for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) who need to easily port applications regardless of the desktop environment. The rise of Linux as the technology of choice for Point of Sale (POS) terminals and kiosks is also increasing demand beyond the enterprise, including in the consumer and education spaces where desktop application commonalities are just as critical. "Desktop Linux still has some hurdles to overcome but momentum, interest and market opportunities are starting to intersect," said Stuart Cohen, CEO of OSDL. "Xandros brings another level of understanding of the opportunities and requirements for desktop Linux, which will lead to increased adoption of Linux and new revenues for Linux vendors - especially in regions outside the U.S." "Xandros is proud to join OSDL and participate in the industry-wide movement to lay a common foundation for the future of desktop Linux," said Andreas Typaldos, Xandros CEO. "Desktop Linux has made impressive strides over the past few years, and with the advent of Windows Vista, consideration of Linux alternatives by consumers, business, governments and schools has become global and intense. The widespread acceptance of desktop Linux has also intensified the call for industry standards, especially by hardware and software vendors seeking new opportunities in vertical and emerging markets. We're eager to share our unique expertise and collaborate with our peers to increase the capabilities of the Linux desktop and drive adoption deeper." "Since the first Xandros Desktop release in 2002 we've seen a dramatic turnaround in Linux support from hardware vendors, with some now sending us pre-release hardware to make sure that Linux runs on it," said Ming Poon, Xandros VP of Software Development. "Much of this change is due to OSDL's leadership in providing an industry focus for the Linux community, and we are delighted to join with them in advancing mutual support with both hardware and software vendors." OSDL's industry-wide initiatives bring Linux ecosystem participants to one "table" to identify challenges and to execute on collective solutions. OSDL has a track record of success with its initiatives and today sponsors four technical working groups: Desktop Linux, Carrier Grade Linux, Mobile Linux and Data Center Linux. The Labs also sponsor legal initiatives including the Patent Commons Project and in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Open Source as Prior Art (OSAPA) initiative. Earlier this summer, Xandros introduced a new line of consumer desktop products targeting home and multimedia users and catering to the digital home lifestyle spectrum with music management, wireless networking, photo management, Internet calling, DVD burning, and iPod support. The new Xandros Desktop Home Editions are based on Debian GNU/Linux and are compliant with the latest Linux Standards Based 3.1 (LSB 3.1) desktop specification for universal third-party support.
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