HP has long been a contributor to Linux and open source software, but on Monday it ratcheted up its support another notch.
Specifically, the company announced at the LinuxCon Europe event going on this week in Barcelona that it has made the $500,000 investment necessary to become a platinum member of the Linux Foundation, upgrading from the gold membership it held previously.
The nonprofit Linux Foundation's other platinum members are Fujitsu, IBM, Intel, NEC, Qualcomm, Oracle, and--most recently--Samsung. Twitter, Broadcom, and Nvidia are other big-name additions to the consortium's roster of members in recent months.
HP will now have a seat on the Linux Foundation's board of directors and will be directly involved in advancing Linux-based initiatives, workgroups, events, and other efforts.
'A strategic asset'
HP offers Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and SUSE Enterprise Linux on servers and desktops as well as certifying Ubuntu Linux for use on desktops and in cloud computing.
Now, however, it's clear HP's Linux-related plans don't stop there.
Linux is a strategic asset for all major technology companies, said Eileen Evans, HP's vice president and associate general counsel for cloud computing and open source. With our Linux Foundation Platinum membership, we will have a variety of ways to maximize our investment in Linux and collaborative development that advances our own business as well as greater industry innovation.
Support in the cloud
It's been an exciting year watching all the new additions to the Linux Foundation's ranks of some 150 members.
Also this week at LinuxCon Europe, the consortium gained Cloudscaling, CloudSigma, Cloudsoft, and DreamHost as new members; cloud vendor Citrix, meanwhile, upgraded to a gold membership in the foundation.
Comments
Jon said: Do they really need to take part though I mean the two companies that arent involved just happen to be the two biggest companies not just in tech but in the world and HP well theyre not exactly in good shape are they
Ynot_82 said: Its interesting to look at the membership list of the Linux FoundationhttpwwwlinuxfoundationorgDamn near every technology company in the world is a member except for two Apple and MicrosoftTells you something about the tech industry right thereMost companies realise that innovation and progress is far easier if you collaborate with your competitors on the base technology from which your products and services are built a rising tide lifts all boats and all thatBut theres the 2 lone-wolves who think they can keep up with the pack in this fast-paced sectorCan Apple and MS keep up with Linux backed by the rest of the tech industryMaybe maybe notBut I think its obvious that cost and RampD-wise they are at a huge disadvantageInteresting times