News
Free Standards Group Advocates Linux Desktop Project
- By ADT Staff
- October 18, 2005
If it is to be widely adopted, the group says, the requirements for common
app runtime and install time must be standardized and adopted by key Linux distributions.
Otherwise, app developers will be forced to compile to multiple instances of
these libraries and distributions. With this complex and costly development
and support environment, ISVs may choose not to target the Linux desktop, leading
to reduced choice for end users and an inability to compete with proprietary
operating systems.
The Linux Standard Base Desktop Project is designed to ease this complexity
by standardizing core pieces of the Linux desktop (including libraries and other
non-binary application behaviors) and encouraging ISVs to use its guidelines
when developing for Linux.
The LSB Desktop Project is a sub-project of the Linux Standard Base. The LSB
is modular, so distribution vendors and ISVs can target the standard that bests
fits their needs. With the LSB, all parties--distribution vendors, ISVs and
end users--benefit as it becomes easier and less costly for software vendors
to target Linux, resulting in more applications available for the Linux platform.
The vision of a standard Linux balances the needs of the competitive distribution
ecosystem with the requirements of end users and independent software vendors
for interoperability, the groups says.
The first specification from the LSB desktop project is slated for publication
in early 2006, with certifications commencing shortly thereafter. Compliant
applications that undergo certification testing will receive a "Linux Standard
Base Desktop" certification mark which is in addition to the existing LSB
certification program. More information on the Free Standards Group is available
at Free Standards.