Another Platform Vendor In Linux Smartphone Effort

Linux vendor MontaVista Software Wednesday released an initiative that it said should encourage development of Linux smartphones and other mobile devices.

Specifically, the company released its Mobilinux Open Framework program that will enable semiconductor manufacturers and software companies to create reference designs for Linux-based devices. Reference designs are developed by vendors and are often used by device vendors as the basis for new devices.

The move comes after PalmSource announced that it will port the Palm OS to Linux. A spokesperson for MontaVista said that move is not competitive with MontaVista's but, rather, is complementary.

"PalmSource has endorsed MontaVista's Mobilinux Open Framework and we are looking forward to future collaboration," the spokesperson said.

In a statement, MontaVista's CEO, Jim Ready said: "MontaVista's Mobilinux Open Framework program will deliver choice, flexibility and architectural freedom for handset vendors and mobile operators looking to create competitive phone designs."