The Linux Foundation (LF), formed in early 2007 by the merger of the Open Source Development Labs and the Free Standards Group, has added Marvell, Nokia, and VirtualLogix as new members. "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 (pictured), 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."Marvell describes itself as the leader in storage, communications and consumer silicon solutions; Nokia as a world leader in mobile communications; and VirtualLogix as the global leader in real-time virtualization technology for connected devices. Marvell silicon solutions power a range of consumer electronics and the gateways that form connectivity among us all.
Marvell joins The Linux Foundation with a focus on the standardization of mobile and embedded Linux and its adoption on a wide range of devices. "There has been strong interest in Linux among Marvell's silicon solutions customers. By joining the Linux Foundation, we feel that we can better support this increasing demand and help bring embedded Linux into the mainstream through the Foundation's unified resources, services and standards," said Dr. Paramesh Gopi, vice president and general manager, Embedded and Emerging Business Unit, Communications and Consumer Business Group, Marvell.
In addition to its leadership position in mobile communications, Nokia is recognized for its Linux based Maemo platform, open source mobile web browser and developer portal. It is interested in working with the LF on Linux-based technologies, including its Internet Tablet, in a vendor-neutral environment.
"It is important that Linux will not be controlled by any single company," said Ari Jaaksi, director, Open Source Software Operation, Nokia. "The Linux Foundation's protection mission helps provide that assurance. We also believe the Foundation's collaboration role will provide us a good venue to work with the industry's leaders in important areas such as desktop architecture and mobile Linux initiatives."
VirtualLogix joins LF to contribute its real-time virtualization expertise to help device manufacturers incorporate the rich functionality of Linux into mobile handset and network infrastructure applications, while reducing 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."