Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) has issued a set of
technical guidelines for the use of Linux in running
mission-critical enterprise applications on server platforms, to
encourage its adoption in data centres.
The technical document, called Data Centre Linux (DCL) Technical
Capabilities, defines and prioritises the Linux capabilities
required in data centres that use mid-tier and high-end
multiprocessor servers as platforms for a variety of demanding
enterprise applications.
The industry group hoped the paper would lead to standards that
encourage businesses to use Linux for large-scale IT
initiatives.
The document defines more than 300 capabilities, in eight major
categories: scalability, performance, manageability, clusters,
standards, security, usability and
reliability/availability/serviceability (RAS). The paper is
available at www.osdl.org.
OSDL will also publish a DCL requirements document for use by Linux
distributors, enterprise users and developers of the Linux
kernel.
The industry group, made up of such industry heavyweights as Dell,
IBM, Intel, Hewlett-Packard and Sun Microsystems, is examining the
use of Linux on edge, application and database servers.
Founded as a non-profit organization in 2000, OSDL operates test
facilities in the US and Japan. Last month, the group welcomed its
first Chinese member, Beijing Co-Create Open Source Software.
Beijing Co-Create is participating primarily in Linux kernel
development and OSDL's desktop Linux initiative, announced in
January. The company, which was launched in April 2001, is a joint
venture between 10 Chinese companies.
John Blau writes for IDG News Service