The Beijing Software Testing Center (BSTC), has joined the Open Source Development Labs (OSDL). BSTC will focus on Linux testing, and the development of internationalization features for Linux. BSTC was founded by Chinese government agencies in 2002 to help prepare Chinese software products for export through regulation and quality control.

A Chinese government agency estimates that Linux sales in China will grow at 40 percent per year, from $6.3 million in 2002 to $38.7 million in 2007. Chinese software exports are also estimated to be growing rapidly, up a third in 2003 to $2 billion.

A 2002 EDC survey of Chinese developers found that two-thirds expect to write an application for Linux in the next year, and close to half have already done so. Additionally, intentions to use Linux as a primary host OS next year are expected to increase by 175% in China.

OSDL CEO Stuart Cohen said, “This newest OSDL member will bring a wealth of knowledge about the use of Linux in China.”

 
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