IBM has donated an embeddable Java-based relational database with a 2MB footprint to the Apache Software Foundation. The Derby database was donated to “spur communal innovation for Java application development,” according to Big Blue, and create business opportunities for applications that use embedded databases or are used by small businesses. (more…)

Pen&Internet has released a version of its “natural handwriting recognition” program intended to run directly on Linux-based tablet PCs. “riteForm” can process handwritten forms and notes on mobile pen-enabled Linux devices, and was previously available only as a Web services component running on a remote server. (more…)

HelloSoft has optimized its software-only Linux VoIP stack for a single-core ARM-based system-on-chip (SoC) from Toshiba America Electronics Corporation (TAEC). The combined hardware/software design simplifies VoIP phones, eliminating the separate DSP (digital signal processor) and associated bus… (more…)

Red Hat and Black Duck have set aside their color differences and will jointly offer intellectual property rights management software and services for commercial and enterprise Linux developers. The two companies will also collaborate on seminars discussing best practices for IP risk mitigation, will jointly offer risk assessment services. (more…)

MontaVista and MySQL say they have jointly validated and will collaboratively market the MySQL and MySQL Cluster databases on MontaVista Linux Carrier Grade Edition (CGE) and Professional Edition. The companies will demonstrate their joint solution at this week's LinuxWorld Expo in San Francisco. (more…)

Snap Appliance has revised the embedded Linux operating system used in its family of network-attached storage products. GuardianOS 3.1 features new support for NDMP (network data management protocol) and S2S Synchronization v2, improved iSCSI and file server performance, and new server replication, backup, and recovery… (more…)

The Gelato Federation, a global research community formed by HP in March, 2002 to promote open source software around the Intel Itanium 64-bit architecture, has joined the Free Standards Group (FSG), and has ported the Eclipse 3.0 IDE (integrated development environment) to Itanium. (more…)

Open Source Risk Management (OSRM) says it has evaluated the legal exposure of the Linux kernel to software patent infringement risks, and has concluded that the exposure is “quantifiable and manageable.” Hence, OSRM plans to add patent infringement coverage to its portfolio of insurance products for open source users and developers. (more…)

Thin client and server-centric leader Wyse Technology has joined the Open Source Development Labs (OSDL), and will participate in the Linux desktop steering committee. Wyse is the only OSDL member focused solely on thin client solutions, and it plans to help lead initiatives and establish parameters for the Linux desktop. (more…)

Wyse has upgraded its Linux-based thin-client OS to the 2.6 branch, and is rolling out a new Linux thin client. Wyse's Linux V6 operating system features improved security, manageability, and flexibility, while the Winterm 5150SE client could finally help Linux gain traction on the desktop, Wyse says. (more…)

SanDisk Corporation has introduced a new line of fingernail-sized removable Flash memory cards that it hopes will become a de facto industry standard for providing user-upgradable internal as well as external storage in the coming wave of smartphones. (more…)

[Updated Aug. 6, 2004] — A Linux smartphone will soon be available to US cellular subscribers in the Chicago area. Shanghai-based E28's e2800+ has been available in China since July, and builds upon E28's previous e2800 model, which was the world's first commercially available Linux smartphone, E28 says. (more…)