Linuxcon: Linux Foundation announces a consumer electronics kernel initiative

DAY ONE of the first Linuxcon in Europe has kicked off in Prague where the Linux Foundation has announced a Linux kernel initiative for embedded systems.

The Long Term Support Initiative (LTSI) has been created by the Linux Foundation's consumer electronics workgroup. It aims to provide an annual release of a Linux kernel and regular updates over a two year period.

Jim Zemlin, executive director of The Linux Foundation said, "The CE industry has leveraged Linux to reduce costs and speed time to market. Now they are taking the next step to reduce the costly duplication of effort at work maintaining custom kernels."

"LTSI is an important effort because it will allow vendors to share the work of maintaining a common kernel for the consumer electronics industry, resulting in more use of Linux in the industry and increasing contributions from CE makers to the advancement of Linux."

The LTSI has been created and supported by big name brands such as Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic. It will be hosted by the Linux Foundation to maintain a common base.

According to the Linux Foundation, the project will combine innovative features in newer systems needed by consumer electronics vendors that need to have a stable kernel, whilst helping them get their code upstream to benefit the rest of the Linux community.

"The goal is to reduce the number of private trees currently in use in the CE industry and encourage more collaboration and sharing of development resources," it said.

Keep an eye on The INQUIRER for more news from Linuxcon Europe today and tomorrow. µ