Linux Creator Linus Torvalds Joins OSDL
First OSDL Fellow Will Devote Himself Exclusively to Linux Development OSDL, a non-profit, global consortium of leading
technology companies dedicated to accelerating the adoption of Linux and Transmeta Corporation (Nasdaq: TMTA), the
leader in efficient computing, today announced that Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, will join OSDL as the first
OSDL Fellow.
As an OSDL fellow, Linus will work exclusively on leading the development of Linux, the open source software that he
created in 1991 as a university student in Finland.
Torvalds will dedicate himself now full-time to guiding a distributed team of thousands of Linux developers around the
world. At OSDL, he will have hands-on access to its state-of-the-art computing resources and test facility. He will also
help set priorities and direction for the Lab's different indust
"It feels a bit strange to finally officially work on what I've been doing for the last twelve years but with the
upcoming 2.6.x release it makes sense to be able to concentrate fully on Linux," Torvalds said. "OSDL is the perfect
setting for vendor-independent and neutral Linux development."
Founded in 2000, OSDL has data centres in Portland, Oregon and Yokohama, Japan used by Linux developers around the
world. With investment backing from Computer Associates, Fujitsu, Hitachi, HP, IBM, Intel, NEC and others, the lab
sponsors key industry projects, including industry initiatives to enhance Linux for use in corporate data centres (Data
Centre Linux) and in telecommunications networks (Carrier Grade Linux).
OSDL is increasingly being recognised as the centre-of-gravity for the Linux industry: an important and independent
central body that invests in the growth an dvocate with the single-minded focus of accelerating its use throughout the
enterprise," said Stuart Cohen, OSDL CEO.
"Linus's decision to join us is a confirmation of the importance of our mission. OSDL is the only organisation where
Linux developers, customers and vendors can all participate as equals. The addition of Linus' perspective and guidance
to the Lab will enhance our value to all three of these groups."
Linux is the fastest-growing operating system in the world. Revenue for Linux-based servers grew 62% in 2002, while
overall sales of servers dropped 8%, according to Gartner Dataquest, a market research company.
By 2007, Gartner predicts that Linux may grab 15% of the worldwide market.
"Linus Torvalds adds tremendous credibility to OSDL's efforts to drive the evolution of Linux forward into enterprise
computing and carrier environments," said George Weiss, vice president and research director for the research firm
Gartner. "The computing market is still questioning how far and how fast Linux can go as an enterprise-ready platform.
With Linus at OSDL, many will be looking for leadership from the lab for answers to those questions."
Torvalds will join OSDL on leave from Transmeta Corporation, where he is currently a Transmeta Fellow. Transmeta is an
OSDL member and worked with OSDL on the transition. "Linus has made substantial technological contributions as a member
of our development team here at Transmeta," said Matthew R. Perry, president and CEO, Transmeta Corporation. "Transmeta
appreciates and fully supports Linus' strong interest in devoting his attention and energy to certain emerging
industry-wide Open Source initiatives at OSDL."
About OSDL Founded in 2000, OSDL is dedicated to accelerating the growth and adoption of Linux in the enterprise.
Supported by a global consortium of IT industry leaders, OSDL provides state-of the-art computing and test facilities in
the United States and Japan available to developers around the world. OSDL sponsors include Alcatel, Cisco, Compu
Miracle Linux Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, MontaVista Software, NEC Corporation, Nokia, Red Hat, SuSE, TimeSys,
Toshiba, Transmeta Corporation and VA Software. The Lab is headquartered near Portland, Oregon. Visit OSDL on the Web at
www.osdl.org
About Transmeta Corporation Transmeta Corporation develops and sells software-based microprocessors and develops
additional hardware, software and system technologies that enable manufacturers to build highly efficient computing
systems characterised by low power consumption, reduced heat dissipation and the high performance required to run
standard x86 compatible programs. We originally developed our family of Crusoe microprocessors for lightweight notebook
computers and other mobile computing devices but we have developed and are continuing to develop microprocessors
suitable for a variety of existing and e desirable.