Branding Linux to Unix 98

In 1995, I started work with Lasermoon (formerly a UK Company) and others, to put Linux through the process of certification under the NIST POSIX standard. The decision to push for a formal standards certification came out of user demand and was re-enforced by my own work with UNIX. It was a no-brainer!

So began a journey which was long, arduous, educational and eventually successful. Linux received NIST POSIX PCTS:151-2 Certification on 8th March 1996. I have the certificate on my office wall.

Based on my knowledge and experience, what would it take to get Unix98 branding for Linux? The UNIX name is licenced from The Open Group (TOG), formed from a merging of the OSF and X/Open, now with heavy emphasis on delivering solutions to Users and Buyers. Linux can be called UNIX after first passing the UNIX98 tests, Branding and purchasing the licence to use the UNIX name.

Here's how it would work. We'll use Redhat 5.1 (RH51) as the Linux reference and ACME Linux as a pseudo organization willing to invest the time and money to get Unix98 branding for Linux.

ACME Linux Inc wishes to sell a version of Red Hat Linux 5.1 to organizations which require Unix98 branding as a mandatory part of the purchasing process.

First we purchase the test suite licences from the Open Group on long-term rent or buyout.
Next we freeze RH51 and start testing the shells. Everything fails, or at least it used to (we should know).
So we fix the shells, ps and other commands required to enable the other tests to run (in 1996 this took about 2-plus months of full time work for approximately two people).
Next we run the tests and change whatever is required in the source code to pass the tests. We fix the compiler and libraries. We run the tests again, and fix problems on a case-by-case basis. This will take an unknown duration. During this time, the Linux sources for RH51 have to be changed to pass the tests (not the tests to suit Linux).
We must also prepare test documentation, product documentation and support documentation in accordance with the Branding guidelines. This can be done as a parallel operation, but it is very tedious and will add another 6 weeks to the end of the project.
We submit our test results and documentation. In theory the tests can be run in TOG's office, TOG will be aware of the situation, and the Brand Certificate can be granted the same day.
However, before we continue, we must submit organisational information such that the UNIX Brand Sponsors (that is the UNIX Vendors and others who have already invested heavily in The Brand) will have reassurance that the product from the Branding organisation (in this case, ACME Linux, branding Red Hat 5.1) will not bring the UNIX Brand into disrepute, will provide UNIX customers with ongoing aftersales support and backup, and in all ways meet the expectations of The Brand.
We now have the right to call our code "ACME Linux RH51" and pay a licence fee to TOG each time the product is sold under the UNIX name. Any changes to the RH51 tree would have to be re-tested and re-Branded. ONLY ACME can use the UNIX Brand Name and only with the RH51 binaries that ACME Branded. In simple terms, Red Hat Inc. would have to brand separately from ACME.

Please note item number 7. It is a nebulous little criterium to pass. Even though we have invested a huge amount of time and money into the project, everything could fail right at the end. Everybody will sound supportive, encouraging and enthusiastic - anything that promotes UNIX is a Good Thing so they are hardly going to do otherwise!

That is one possibility. Last year, the US Coastguard won a legal battle giving NT the right to bid for contract that previously were only open to UNIX Branded products. The results have been reported in several forums:

and show a rapid migration away from UNIX to NT. Faced with the HUGHS AirForce contract, 37,000 Workstations worth over $1 Billion going to NT, the Unix Sponsors may want to strengthen the value of the Unix brand by adding Linux.

However, if Linux is branded, then within a matter of days, Linux products "Built from the Branded Sources" will become available on CD for $1.95. From the covers of magazines to inserts in Books, "Built From the Branded Sources" Linux will become endemic. Do you think that the UNIX Vendors (and TOG Sponsors) would be enthused about replacing their market worth multiple Billions with a $1.95 Linux CD ? Could a UNIX Sponsor argue that this brings the UNIX name into "disrepute"? Yes, they could and their legal departments can as well. They could even file suit against The Open Group, tying up the process in litigation for unknown periods. That leaves us with many questions and no definite answers. Should Linux go for Unix98 branding? Are the problems with the Unix98 branding process potential problems for the emerging Linux standard as well? We think they are and next week, we'll explain why in more detail, as well as give some concrete suggestions on how some of these problems can be avoided.

Re-use code; not other peoples mistakes!

Ian Nandhra                         Phone : 209 956 3047
NC Laboratories Inc.                FAX   : 209 956 1747
Suite G161, 4719 Quail Lakes Drive  email : ian@nc-labs.com
Stockton, CA 95207, USA.            http//www.nc-labs.com