Seen on the “Ask the Experts” Forum at LinuxDevices.com . . .

Larry B. asks: Each embedded vendor seems to be adapting Linux in different ways to differentiate themselves with added value. Don't you think this will this lead to a splintering of Linux in the embedded world just like the old Unix story?

Dr. Inder Singh, Chairman of LynuxWorks,Inc. answers:

I am very hopeful that Linux will be able to avoid a replay of the Unix fiasco. In fact, Linux may help bring about a convergence among the Unix vendors, most of who are supporting Linux in some form.

One of the things that Linux has going for it is the way multiple distributions from different vendors are built based on a single common kernel controlled by a group led by Linus Torvalds. Up to now most of them have succeeded in maintaining a high level of compatibility for applications.

Another big difference is the web-based community environment in which Linux has evolved, and in fact thrived. The web is a major force for interoperability. Users expect to download Linux software from the web and execute it on the flavor of Linux they are running. As we see increasing number of licensed, rather than open source, software products available for download on the web only in binary form, for which the source is not freely available for porting or rebuilding the software, versions of Linux that break compatibility will be at a disadvantage.

The Linux Standard Base (LSB) project, whose specific goal is “to develop and promote a set of standards that will increase compatibility among Linux distributions and enable software applications to run on any compliant Linux system” is intended to prevent this very problem. It deserves strong support from application developers and users.

To join in this discussion, or ask Dr. Singh a question, visit the LinuxDevices.com “Ask the Experts” discussion forum here.

 
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