|
IBM has given open source software developers free use of 500 patents, and access to the patented code could pave the way for more-robust Linux architectures in the enterprise, say open source advocates. Bill Weinberg, open source architecture specialist for the Open Source Development Labs, among whose members is Linux creator Linus Torvalds, sys there is meat in the code for developers. Weinberg emphasizes three of the patents for a cache affinity scheduler, dynamic link libraries, and the ability of one operating system (OS) to export data to applications running on another OS. The cache affinity scheduler is basic to construction of symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) systems, and the dynamic link libraries and method enhance application performance through conservation of system memory. The inter-OS patent uses such tools as Server Message Block. IBM officials say opening up the code will benefit IBM and users, if more development is given to the open source community. VP Bob Sutor of IBM notes, 'The more things they develop, the more we can develop around that. IBM plans include more patents to be released to open source developers in the future, but IBM has kept the timetable flexible. In addition to its sale of the IBM PC business, IBM tactic is another indication that Big Blue wants to position itself mostly as a service provider, says an analyst.
|
Information Sources, Inc.
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}