ODSL campaigns for kernel awareness

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 27 Nov 2003 at 11:54

Next month sees the first new production (as opposed to development) kernel released for more than two years, and Linux leaders at the Open Source Development Lab (OSDL) have launched an 'awareness initiative' to reassure users of the stringent quality controls the team applies.

In the light of SCO's as yet unproven allegations of misappropriated code in Linux, the OSDL is keen that such posturing doesn't dampen enthusiasm for the GNU/Linux operating system, which is finding its way beyond servers to telecommunications networks, to PDAs, set-top boxes and other consumer devices.

Stuart Cohen, CEO of OSDL said: 'Recent public criticism of the Linux development process shows a lack of understanding as to the rigor imposed by Linus himself and the development community at large. It is a process built on the scientific method of peer review.'

Not only is the kernel maintained to strict standards while benefiting from the contributions of thousands of developers, but the code is also open to public scrutiny.

Further information on how development of the kernel is organised is available at the OSDL website. A graphic illustrating how the process works is also available.

The OSDL is a consortium founded to promote the adoption of the Linux operating system and backed by major IT companies including IBM, HP, Dell and Nokia, among others. It includes key figures such as Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux kernel.