Since its inception in 1991, Linux has grown to become a force in
computing, powering everything from the New York Stock Exchange to
mobile phones to supercomputers to consumer devices. The Linux Foundation is the nonprofit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux. Founded in 2007, the Linux Foundation sponsors the work of Linux creator
Linus Torvalds and is supported by leading technology companies and
developers from around the world. The Linux Foundation promotes, protects and advances Linux by marshaling
the resources of its members and the open source development community
to ensure Linux remains free and technically advanced.
Promoting Linux and Providing Neutral Collaboration and Education
The Linux Foundation serves as a neutral spokesperson for Linux and
generates original research and content that advances the understanding
of the Linux platform. Its web properties, including Linux.com, reach approximately two million people per month. It also fosters innovation by hosting collaboration events -- including
LinuxCon -- for the Linux technical community, application developers,
industry and end users to solve pressing issues facing the Linux
ecosystem. Through the Linux Foundation's collaboration programs, end users,
developers and industry collaborate on technical, legal and promotional
issues.
Protecting and Supporting Linux Development
It's vitally important that Linux creator Linus Torvalds and other key kernel developers remain independent. It's vitally important that Linux creator Linus Torvalds and other key kernel developers remain independent. The Linux Foundation also manages the Linux trademark, offers developers
legal intellectual property protection and a legal defense fund and
coordinates industry and community legal collaboration and education,
including important work to defend Linux against legal threats.
Improving Linux as a Technical Platform
The Linux Foundation offers application developers standardization
services and support, including the Linux Standard Base, that makes
Linux an attractive target for their development efforts. The Linux Foundation also provides services to the Linux development
community, including an open source developer travel fund, legal support
and other administrative assistance. Through its workgroups, members and developers can collaborate on key
technical areas which can include everything from Cloud Computing to
Printing in Linux. Finally, users can access Linux training through its technical training program.