Linux Creator Linus Torvalds Joins OSDL

Linux Creator Linus Torvalds Joins OSDL

First OSDL Fellow Will Devote Himself Exclusively to Linux Development OSDL, a non-profit, global consortium of leading technology companies dedicated to accelerating the adoption of Linux and Transmeta Corporation (Nasdaq: TMTA), the leader in efficient computing, today announced that Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, will join OSDL as the first OSDL Fellow.

As an OSDL fellow, Linus will work exclusively on leading the development of Linux, the open source software that he created in 1991 as a university student in Finland.

Torvalds will dedicate himself now full-time to guiding a distributed team of thousands of Linux developers around the world. At OSDL, he will have hands-on access to its state-of-the-art computing resources and test facility. He will also help set priorities and direction for the Lab's different indust

"It feels a bit strange to finally officially work on what I've been doing for the last twelve years but with the upcoming 2.6.x release it makes sense to be able to concentrate fully on Linux," Torvalds said. "OSDL is the perfect setting for vendor-independent and neutral Linux development."

Founded in 2000, OSDL has data centres in Portland, Oregon and Yokohama, Japan used by Linux developers around the world. With investment backing from Computer Associates, Fujitsu, Hitachi, HP, IBM, Intel, NEC and others, the lab sponsors key industry projects, including industry initiatives to enhance Linux for use in corporate data centres (Data Centre Linux) and in telecommunications networks (Carrier Grade Linux).

OSDL is increasingly being recognised as the centre-of-gravity for the Linux industry: an important and independent central body that invests in the growth an dvocate with the single-minded focus of accelerating its use throughout the enterprise," said Stuart Cohen, OSDL CEO.

"Linus's decision to join us is a confirmation of the importance of our mission. OSDL is the only organisation where Linux developers, customers and vendors can all participate as equals. The addition of Linus' perspective and guidance to the Lab will enhance our value to all three of these groups."

Linux is the fastest-growing operating system in the world. Revenue for Linux-based servers grew 62% in 2002, while overall sales of servers dropped 8%, according to Gartner Dataquest, a market research company.

By 2007, Gartner predicts that Linux may grab 15% of the worldwide market.

"Linus Torvalds adds tremendous credibility to OSDL's efforts to drive the evolution of Linux forward into enterprise computing and carrier environments," said George Weiss, vice president and research director for the research firm Gartner. "The computing market is still questioning how far and how fast Linux can go as an enterprise-ready platform. With Linus at OSDL, many will be looking for leadership from the lab for answers to those questions."

Torvalds will join OSDL on leave from Transmeta Corporation, where he is currently a Transmeta Fellow. Transmeta is an OSDL member and worked with OSDL on the transition. "Linus has made substantial technological contributions as a member of our development team here at Transmeta," said Matthew R. Perry, president and CEO, Transmeta Corporation. "Transmeta appreciates and fully supports Linus' strong interest in devoting his attention and energy to certain emerging industry-wide Open Source initiatives at OSDL."

About OSDL Founded in 2000, OSDL is dedicated to accelerating the growth and adoption of Linux in the enterprise. Supported by a global consortium of IT industry leaders, OSDL provides state-of the-art computing and test facilities in the United States and Japan available to developers around the world. OSDL sponsors include Alcatel, Cisco, Compu Miracle Linux Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, MontaVista Software, NEC Corporation, Nokia, Red Hat, SuSE, TimeSys, Toshiba, Transmeta Corporation and VA Software. The Lab is headquartered near Portland, Oregon. Visit OSDL on the Web at www.osdl.org

About Transmeta Corporation Transmeta Corporation develops and sells software-based microprocessors and develops additional hardware, software and system technologies that enable manufacturers to build highly efficient computing systems characterised by low power consumption, reduced heat dissipation and the high performance required to run standard x86 compatible programs. We originally developed our family of Crusoe microprocessors for lightweight notebook computers and other mobile computing devices but we have developed and are continuing to develop microprocessors suitable for a variety of existing and e desirable.

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