Industry Leaders Launch Desktop Linux Consortium

Organization responds to rising demand for open standards, lower licensing fees "We already have all the tools" -- Linus Torvalds

New York -- February 5, 2003 - Responding to the overwhelming interest in Desktop Linux, representatives from key firms and organizations today announced the formation of the Desktop Linux Consortium, or DLC. The vendor-neutral association is comprised of both commercial companies and open source organizations that are developing and shaping GNU/Linux desktop technologies.

Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux, said "We already have all of the tools, in Open Source software, necessary for 80 percent of office workers in the world: an office suite including spreadsheet, word processor, and presentation program; a web browser, graphical desktop with file manager, and tools for communications, scheduling, and personal information management. The Linux desktop is inevitable!"

Companies and organizations supporting today's announcement include ArkLinux, CodeWeavers, Debian.org, DesktopLinux.com, KDE, Linux Professional Institute (LPI), Lycoris, The Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP), MandrakeSoft, NeTraverse, OpenOffice.org, Questnet (Support4Linux.com), Samba.org, theKompany, SuSE, TransGaming Technologies, TrustCommerce, Xandros, and Ximian.

Bruce Perens, interim executive director and well known open source community leader said, "The Desktop Linux Consortium will assure that there is fairness in all Desktop Linux-related issues and events. All vendors will be fully represented and the open source ethos will be respected."

Targeting the needs of corporate, institutional, and home users, the DLC will help shape the future of Linux on the desktop. Group initiatives will include trade shows, conferences, and participation in Consortium-sponsored public relations activities and programs.

"The initial intentions for the DLC are very clear," said interim chairman Jeremy White. "Linux is firmly established in the server space, and now desktop Linux is coming of age. The ultimate beneficiary of the Consortium is the computing public, which will be assured a vibrant, open, stable alternative to closed proprietary systems and applications, interoperability, and an end to ever-escalating licensing fees."

The Desktop Linux Consortium will be incorporated as a non-profit trade association. With today's announcement, the DLC has established a formation committee, appointed interim leadership, and adopted an aggressive timetable of ninety days to institute the group's governing body. Membership dues will be scaled to assure broad participation by both commercial firms and open source organizations.

Additional details can be found at the DLC website. For media and other inquiries, please contact Jill Ratkevic at 408-209-5181, or jill@desktoplinuxconsortium.org