IBM, AMD Join UnitedLinux

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

IBM and AMD became the newest members of the UnitedLinux consortium this week. The two vendors were the first companies to be named as Technology Partners, giving them a ground floor position to add input into future versions.

IBM and AMD are the first consortium members to be named Technology Partners, giving them rights that include 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 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 that of a full-blown member. Financial details weren’t disclosed.

The agreement builds on 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.

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