Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) and the Free Software Foundation (FSF) recently announced that they have signed an agreement to merge and form The Linux Foundation.

The object of the new organization is to accelerate the growth of Linux by providing a comprehensive set of services to compete effectively with closed platforms. Jim Zemlin, former executive director of the Free Standards Group, is responsible for leading The Linux Foundation.

"Computing is entering a world dominated by two platforms: Linux and Windows. While being managed under one roof has given Windows some consistency, Linux offers freedom of choice, customization and flexibility without forcing customers into vendor lock-in," said Zemlin. "The Linux Foundation helps in the next stage of Linux growth by organizing the diverse companies and constituencies of the Linux ecosystem to promote, protect, and standardize Linux."

OSDL and the FSG were important forces behind open source adoption and played key roles in preventing fragmentation of the Linux market. For Linux to remain open and attain the greatest ubiquity possible, important services must be provided, including legal protection, standardization, promotion and collaboration.

The Linux Foundation will foster the growth of Linux by focusing on areas such as protecting Linux by sponsoring key Linux developers and providing legal services, standardizing Linux and improving it as a platform for software development, providing a neutral forum for Collaboration and Promotion

Founding platinum members of the Linux Foundation include Fujitsu, Hitachi, HP, IBM, Intel, NEC, Novell, and Oracle. Other members of the new organization include every major company in the Linux industry, including Red Hat, as well as numerous community groups, universities and industry end users.