Why Companies Support Kernel Development

The list of companies participating in Linux kernel development

includes many of the most successful technology firms in existence.

None of these companies are supporting Linux development as an

act of charity; in each case, these companies find that improving the

kernel helps them to be more competitive in their markets. Some

examples:

• Companies like IBM, Intel, SGI, MIPS, Freescale, HP, etc. are all

working to ensure that Linux runs well on their hardware. That, in

turn, makes their offerings more attractive to Linux users, resulting

in increased sales.

• Distributors like Red Hat, Novell, and MontaVista have a clear

interest in making Linux as capable as it can be. Though these

firms compete strongly with each other for customers, they all

work together to make the Linux kernel better.

• Companies like Sony, Nokia, and Samsung ship Linux as a

component of products like video cameras, television sets, and

mobile telephones. Working with the development process helps

these companies ensure that Linux will continue to be a solid

base for their products in the future.

• Companies which are not in the information technology business

can still find working with Linux beneficial. The 2.6.25 kernel will include an implementation of the PF_CAN network protocol which

was contributed by Volkswagen. PF_CAN allows for reliable

communications between components in an interference-prone

environment – such as that found in an automobile. Linux gave

Volkswagen a platform upon which it could build its networking

code; the company then found it worthwhile to contribute the code

back so that it could be maintained with the rest of the kernel. See

http://lwn.net/Articles/253425/ for more information on this work.

There are a number of good reasons for companies to support

the Linux kernel. As a result, Linux has a broad base of support

which is not dependent on any single company. Even if the largest

contributor were to cease participation tomorrow, the Linux kernel

would remain on a solid footing with a large and active development

community.