The world’s first global mobile Linux initiative has been formed to encourage the creation of an ecosystem spanning application and middleware developer communities to support its goal of creating the world’s first globally competitive, Linux-based software platform for mobile devices.
Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics and Vodafone have announced the official launch of the LiMo Foundation.
Missing from the launch was Access, which is developing a Linux based OS through its ALP (Access Linux Platform) division.
A statement from the LiMo Foundation said it aims to blend the benefits of community-based development with best development practices from the mobile community to create “an innovative new business model”.
The LiMo Foundation is looking for members interested in participating in the development of a set of APIs, architecture, and contributing source code for the common components of the Linux-based mobile platform. Potential members could come from device manufacturers, operators, chip set manufacturers, ISVs integrators and third party developers.
The idea is to focus primarily on the joint development of a competitive Linux-based mobile platform, built around a common source code tree that can adapt to market requirements around the world.
In addition, members will also work on the establishment of safeguards to minimize fragmentation; collaborate on a mobile Linux developer ecosystem; co-operate with existing industry organizations.
Several industry players have invested considerably in a mobile Linux based OS, most notably Motorola, which appears to be the driving force behind the LiMo alliance.
Access said at 2006′ 3GSM that it would hope to develop a Mobile Linux Ecosystm behid ALP. In 2005, several companies formed LiPS, Linux Phone Standards Forum, to standardise APIs, SDKs and certification.