Linux gains despite and because of Microsoft

Motorola knows that product development needs to move quickly for the company to stay competitive -- and it’s using Linux to hasten the effort.

“We do all of our advanced technology development on Linux,” says Mark VandenBrink, a Motorola fellow and chief architect of systems software at the company.

Like other phone handset makers, Motorola introduces new models, such as the Razr V8, which made its debut in June.

Software developers are using Linux to build Web browsers, multimedia players and other mobile applications, VandenBrink says. The Linux community can develop new phones with new features quickly for a variety of global markets

Click to see: Chart of projected worldwide rise in revenues for Linux upgrades.

“Having the Linux software means we won’t be held up by a software-development schedule. We can actually hit these markets whenever we want to hit them.” Linux, he said, “is becoming ubiquitous.”

At Motorola, 60% of its phones are built on a Linux platform, but it is just one of the companies embracing Linux as a way to build handsets, run servers and desktop computers and deliver other technology.

As the Linux community gathers for its annual LinuxWorld convention Aug. 6 through 9 in San Francisco, growth trends are promising. IDC forecasts revenue from the issuing of new Linux operating-system licenses and support to reach $856.9 million in 2010, from $303.7 million in 2005, for a compound annual growth rate of 23.1%.

According to the numbers, the open source alternative to Windows is becoming more credible.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.