Toyota is the
newest member of the Linux Foundation, the organization aimed at
accelerating the growth of Linux.
Toyota is
joining The Linux Foundation as a Gold member to maximize its own investment in
Linux while fostering open innovation throughout the automotive ecosystem.
A major shift
is underway in the automotive industry, Linux Foundation officials said. Carmakers
are using new technologies to deliver on consumer expectations for the same
connectivity in their cars as they've come to expect in their homes and
offices. From dashboard computing to in-vehicle infotainment, automobiles are
becoming the latest wireless devices—on wheels, the foundation said.
"Linux
gives us the flexibility and technology maturity we require to evolve our
in-vehicle-infotainment and communications systems to address the expectations
of our customers," Kenichi Murata, project general manager in the
Electronics Development Division 1 at Toyota, said in a statement. "The Linux
Foundation provides us with a neutral forum in which we can collaborate with
the world’s leading technology companies on open innovation that accelerates
that evolution."
The Linux
operating system is providing a common platform that helps connect the world's
network of devices, including cars, Linux Foundation officials said. As an
open-source operating system, it provides automakers and their partners
flexibility to bring to market the latest technology features quickly, the
foundation said.
"We are
very pleased to welcome Toyota to The Linux Foundation," Jim Zemlin,
executive director at The Linux Foundation, said in a statement. "The
company's leadership and proven innovation will bring important contributions
to the advancement of Linux. Toyota's investment in Linux is a testament to the
ubiquity of the operating system and its ability to support the latest market
requirements."
The Linux
Foundation promotes, protects and advances Linux, including supporting the work
of Linux creator Linus Torvalds. The Linux Foundation's mission is to promote,
protect and standardize the Linux platform to fuel its growth around the world.
The organization, which launched in 2007, has more than 90 members.
Linux burst on
the scene in 1991 and celebrates its 20th birthday this year.
LinuxCon North America 2011 will host the formal celebration of the 20th
Anniversary of Linux, in which Linux creator Linus Torvalds will
take part. Torvalds is confirmed to attend LinuxCon and will participate in an
interview-style keynote in which he will discuss technical advancements and
challenges related to the Linux kernel with kernel developer and maintainer
Greg Kroah-Hartman. LinuxCon will take place in Vancouver, B.C., from Aug. 17-19,
2011.
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