OSDL launches Linux desktop initiative

OSDL Forms Desktop Linux Working Group Initiative

Global consortium to accelerate Linux use on the desktop in multiple areas of
enterprise computing

NEW YORK (LinuxWorld Conference & Expo), January 20, 2004   The Open Source
Development Labs (OSDL), a global consortium dedicated to accelerating the
adoption of Linux, today announced the launch of a new Desktop Linux Working
Group initiative focused on greater use of Linux on desktops throughout the
enterprise.

The initiative was created in response to OSDL constituents from around the
world, including the United States, Europe, Japan and China. The shared goal
is to create a forum where a range of desktop usage models can be studied
with recommendations on improvements to encourage broader adoption of Linux.
The charter of the Desktop Linux Working Group is to work with the open
source community to identify a broad set of Linux desktop models, then
develop specifications and deliver reference implementations.

This working group is also supported by OSDL's Linux User Advisory Council,
which is comprised of senior IT executives from global 500 companies. The
overall working group objectives have been developed by an exploratory
committee with representatives from freedesktop.org, HP, IBM, Intel, Novell,
OSDL, Red Hat and Sun Microsystems. 

"Linux has started to make inroads on the desktop in many areas of enterprise
computing such as kiosks, fixed-function workstations, technical workstations
and point of sale," said Tim Witham, OSDL lab director.  "Of particular
interest to our exploratory committee is how to accelerate the use of Linux
where it has already demonstrated demand based upon its strengths."

"We are excited to see OSDL providing a vendor-neutral setting where
developers and corporate users can work together to further improve the Linux
desktop and help corporations get the most out of their investment," said
Keith Packard of freedesktop.org,  a free software project focused on
interoperability and shared technology for desktop environments for the X
Window System.

This initiative joins OSDL's current Data Center Linux (DCL) and Carrier
Grade Linux (CGL) working groups are one of the ways in which OSDL and its
member companies contribute to the advancement of Linux in the enterprise.
The OSDL working groups produce requirements documents followed by published
specifications and reference implementations. Current DCL and CGL
specification documents can be found on OSDL's website: www.osdl.org, as well
as additional information on the status of the desktop working group.  

"This working group has the interest and full support of our members," said
Stuart Cohen, CEO of OSDL. "OSDL is uniquely positioned to accelerate the
existing momentum behind innovative uses of Linux on the desktop by
marshalling the resources and expertise of our members together with the
Linux community."

The use of Linux on the desktop is exploding around the world. According to
market research firm IDC, paid shipments of Linux rose to 2.8 percent of
desktop operating systems in 2002, up from 1.7 percent two years earlier. In
2004, it is expected to surpass the total new product shipments for the Mac
OS.

"IDC is seeing increasing interest in Linux as a client operating
environment." said Dan Kusnetzky, vice president of IDC's System Software
research group.  "IDC believes that common templates and frameworks, allowing
all suppliers to develop compatible products, would accelerate the adoption
cycle for Linux as a client operating environment."

About Open Source Development Labs (OSDL)
OSDL - home to Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux - is dedicated to
accelerating the growth and adoption of Linux. Founded in 2000 and supported
by a global consortium of Linux customers and IT industry leaders, OSDL is a
non-profit organization that provides Linux expertise and computing and test
facilities in the United States and Japan available to developers around the
world. OSDL members include Alcatel, Cisco, Computer Associates, Dell,
Ericsson, Force Computers, Fujitsu, HP, Hitachi, IBM, Intel, Linuxcare,
Miracle Linux Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, MontaVista Software, NEC
Corporation, Network Appliance, Nokia, Novell, NTT COMWARE, NTT DATA
INTELLILINK, Oregon State University, Red Hat, Sun Microsystems, SUSE LINUX,
TimeSys, Toshiba Solutions, Transmeta Corporation, Trolltech, Turbolinux,
Ulticom, Unilever , VA Software and Wind River Systems. Visit OSDL on the Web
at www.osdl.org .

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OSDL is a trademark of Open Source Development Labs, Inc. Linux is a
trademark of Linus Torvalds. Third party marks and brands are the property of
their respective holders.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
                            
Lonn Johnston for OSDL
Page One PR 
Phone : +1 650.473.0600 x101
E-mail : lonn@pageonepr.com 

Nelson B. Pratt
Marketing Director, OSDL
Phone: +1 503.626.2455 x47
E-mail: nbpratt@osdl.org