Linux group pushes for greater standardisation

New agreement is intended to develop a standard version of the open source operating system

The Free Standards Group, a US-based non-profit trade organisation, is expected to announce widespread industry support for Linux Standard Base 2.0, an effort to develop a standard version of the open source operating system.

A range of vendors are expected to back the initiative, including IBM, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Dell and AMD, while a number of the larger Linux developers like Red Hat and Novell are also likely to back the plan, bolstering its uptake in the market.

The agreement aims to ensure compatibility between Linux versions, an area of concern that Microsoft has started to exploit in the market as a means of defending Windows.

The software firm recently printed adverts in Germany showing a line-up of different looking penguins featuring a range of animal parts, such as pig ears and elephant trunks or a frog's head with antlers, highlighting the level of variance between different versions of Linux.

The agreement also highlights a degree of development in the Linux camp, showing that the system is starting to mature in its battle against Microsoft's Windows.