The Linux Foundation (LF) announced that it has accepted the Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL) as a new Silver member of the non-profit organization. OSADL, which oversees the development of “Latest Stable” industrial real-time Linux kernel versions, among other projects, will collaborate with LF members on embedded and industrial Linux efforts.

According to OSADL, the principal impact of the LF membership is that the group is now officially contributing to the funding of the mainline Linux kernel, in addition to its long-time role of sending patches and testing new releases. The Linux Foundation supports and oversees Linux kernel development at Kernel.org, along with Linus Torvalds and thousands of kernel developers around the world. (This, of course, is an impossible task.)

More focused LF efforts include sponsorship of the Moblin and MeeGo mobile Linux platforms, as well as the hosting of Linux.com. In addition, the LF sponsors numerous conferences such as LinuxCon, and is the principle lobbying arm devoted to open source and Linux advocacy.

Founded in 2005, OSADL coordinates the development of open source projects in the areas of embedded and industrial design, including projects focused on real-time and safety critical Linux, I/O framework, real-time Ethernet, and special automation-related drivers for the Linux kernel.

Since its merger with the Real-Time Linux Foundation (RTLF) early last year, OSADL has also regularly released "Latest Stable" industrial real-time Linux kernels under the direction of Thomas Gleixner. The LF's Technical Advisory Board recently elected Gleixner to the board. In February, OSADL released Kernel 2.6.31.12-rt21, based on Linux 2.6.31.

Founding members of OSADL on first anniversary
(Click to enlarge)

It seems fitting that OSADL is joining the Linux Foundation, as the group was modeled after OSDL (Open Source Development Labs), which merged with the Free Standards Group (FSG), to form the LF in 2007. What the OSDL/LF accomplished for Linux in general, the OSADL aims to do for Linux in automation. In the Fall of 2007, OSADL members joined together to celebrate their first anniversary of the group's founding (event pictured above).

Real-time workshop heading for Nairobi

OSADL recently issued a call for papers for the Twelfth Real-Time Linux Workshop (RTLWS12), which will be held on Oct, 25-27, 2010, in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Faculty of Information Technology of the Strathmore University (see link below). The previous event was held in Dresden, Germany, last September. 

Stated Carsten Emde (pictured at right), general manager of OSADL, "The Linux Foundation provides an important resource for people to collaborate on Linux, both online and at its events. We're looking forward to the collaboration opportunities and taking Linux to the next level in the embedded and industrial environments."

Stated Amanda McPherson, theVP of marketing and developer programs, the Linux Foundation, "Linux is the standard operating system for industrial embedded systems and automation, so OSADL is an important addition to The Linux Foundation membership. OSADL embodies unique expertise that complements our efforts to advance the Linux platform and achieve ultimate ubiquity."

Availability

More information on OSADL may be found here. More information and registration for the Twelfth Real-Time Linux Workshop, which will be held on Oct, 25-27, 2010, in Nairobi, Kenya, may be found here.

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