Interview: Linux and the Open Source Development Lab

Posted on 13 Apr 2005 at 12:41

Set up at the start of 2001 as a 'centre of gravity' for Linux, the Open Source Development Lab has drawn in heavyweight computing giants from around the world, adding momentum to the adoption of Linux in the enterprise.

We caught up with OSDL Marketing Director Nelson Pratt on a recent visit to the UK to talk all things Open Source.

Building membership

Currently the OSDL enjoys a wealth of support from chip and system vendors, as well as platform builders and operating systems, but Pratt said there were still names missing from the member list. 'Now we want the application vendors.' He said it is no secret that 'we want Oracle and SAP... There are discussions about them joining. [But] both feel that they already have a solid Linux strategy. They feel that they already have access to all the key players. So they've done a fine job on their own'.

However, he still feels that Oracle and SAP could benefit greatly from joining the OSDL, not least for access to 'a premier virtual table at which they can sit to hash out joint problems' with other vendors.

Pratt said that the OSDL had an open attitude to companies joining - even Redmond has been in contact. 'There has been communication between the OSDL with some of the senior guys at Microsoft,' he said, although not yet on any formal basis.

As a proponent of Linux in the enterprise, there is clearly plenty that large commercial companies can take from the OSDL, but how well are small software houses served? Pratt said that the OSDL now operates a forum for ISVs. While not as high-profile as its Working Groups, the ISVs are better served by a forum as anyone can participate without having to be a fully paid up member.

But that doesn't mean that the OSDL isn't serious about ISVs. 'OSDL is focussed like a laser beam in 2005,' said Pratt of the commitment to small ISVs.

He said the OSDL has already hosted three such seminars and has had a 'good response'.

Staying power

When the OSDL was first founded four years ago, it had a clear role as the 'centre of gravity' for enterprise Linux, embarking on public campaigns to evangelise the technology and subsequently counting Linux luminaries Linus Torvalds and Andrew Morton among its staff. But with the ever expansive reach of Linux and the growing familiarity of enterprise companies with the technology, that role is changing. As Pratt noted, Oracle and SAP haven't even felt the urge to join up. Is the OSDL's job already done?

'Right now, I would characterize the OSDL as an advocacy forum,' said Pratt. However, he added that this was changing. 'It has to evolve or become irrelevant.'

He looked to the changing nature of the long-established Object Management Group for comparison. 'The OMG reached stasis point,' said Pratt. 'So it morphed into a services-focussed organisation, servicing its members. The OSDL probably needs to look at a similar model and may become more focussed on its members in future.'

And if it doesn't make itself relevant to a broader spectrum of potential Linux users - which it is trying to do - is there a danger that it will end up the puppet of a few massive IT companies that were there at the beginning?

'The safeguard is the open source process,' said Pratt. 'You have to respect the GPL or whatever Open Source licence you are using. If you can't do that you have to reject Linux. This is what prevents someone hijacking Linux.

'Additionally, on that note of becoming a puppet, members of the OSDL are not allowed to use our name. There is no endorsement or marketing through the OSDL.'