IBM, AMD Become Part of UnitedLinux

UnitedLinux Tuesday said IBM and AMD have, in effect, joined the consortium responsible for developing the enterprise-class operating system.

IBM and AMD have become the first companies to be named as Technology
Partners, giving them responsibilities including participation in the
UnitedLinux Technical Advisory Board and its committees, pre-release access
to UnitedLinux deliverables, the right to propose enhancements for
consideration by the UnitedLinux Technical Steering Committee and joint
marketing activities.

About the only thing IBM and AMD won’t be able to do is distribute future versions via reseller and/or OEM arrangements. “That’s one of the differences between partnering and membership,” explained a UnitedLinux spokeswoman.

In addition, Technology Partner status calls for a higher financial commitment but not as much as full-blown members. Financial details weren’t disclosed.

The agreement builds upon UnitedLinux’s existing relationship with the
two tech heavyweights, which was formalized when the group unveiled UnitedLinux
Version 1.0 around the time of Comdex last November.

“In joining forces with Linux industry leaders, we are making great
strides toward our goal of the widespread proliferation of Linux in the
enterprise,” said Paula Hunter, general manager of UnitedLinux.

Founding companies of UnitedLinux are Linux industry leaders Conectiva,
SCO Group, SuSE Linux, and Turbolinux.