Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) is bringing together
mobile companies to develop a standard Linux-based operating system
for mobile phones and other devices.
Analyst IDC estimates that just over 11% of the world’s
smartphones use Linux to support basic and advanced functions, but
these devices use a variety of Linux products.
The standardisation effort launched by OSDL, which is a leading
Linux developer, aims to provide a base-level solution that can
more easily be adopted and built upon by device manufacturers,
mobile operators and other developers.
OSDL has launched the Mobile Linux Initiative, which includes
Motorola and PalmSource among its members.
PalmSource bought mobile Linux developer China Mobile in 2004.
So far, a large chunk of mobile Linux development has been aimed at
the Asian market, where lower base development and manufacturing
costs are key to growing large markets in poorer countries.
