Microprocessor vendor AMD has joined the Open Source Development Labs (OSDL), and will serve on the Carrier Grade and Data Center Linux working groups. AMD pioneered 64-bit x86 computing, and supplies a number of small processors popular in embedded Linux devices.

64-bit pioneer

AMD introduced its 64-bit “Hammer” architecture in 2000, with SuSE and Red Hat quick to create a Linux port. LinuxBIOS also supports AMD64, for embedded cluster applications.

“64-bit extensions represent another major step forward, and the open-source community was quick to recognize that potential,” said OSDL Fellow Linus Torvalds.

Intel recently announced 64-bit chips of its own that it promised would run operating systems such as Linux designed for 64-bit AMD chips, with an independent lab verifying the chips' similarity.

Embedded processors

AMD's embedded processors include the Geode, a low-powered chip for fanless devices that it acquired from National Semiconductor in August, 2003, and the Alchemy family of MIPS-based chips acquired through the February, 2002 purchase of Alchemy Semiconductor. AMD sells reference boards and reference designs for the Alchemy, which targets PDAs, Web pads, network access equipment, and automotive telematics devices.

OSDL

The OSDL is a global consortium dedicated to accelerating the adoption of Linux. It is widely acclaimed for its work creating and maintaining the Carrier Grade Linux specification.

AMD joins OSDL during a period of explosive growth in Linux enterprise adoption. According to market research firm IDC, Linux revenue grew more than 60 percent year-over-year, topping $960 million in Q4 of 2003.

“With the rapid increase of Linux deployments on AMD technology, AMD will be significant contributors to OSDL's continued success,” said Stuart Cohen, CEO of OSDL. “They will bring a wealth of experience with Linux solutions to our working group initiatives.”

AMD VP Marty Seyer said, “Through participation in OSDL's industry working groups, AMD will be able to contribute its considerable microprocessor platform expertise to the advancement of Linux as a strategic OS.”

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.