Mumbai:
Open Invention Network (OIN), a US firm funded by six
companies, including IBM and Red Hat, is exploring possibilities
of popularising the Linux operating system for computers
in India.
The
company is trying to spur innovation and protect the Linux
system, which is widely seen as a slow but certain challenge
to Microsoft''s proprietary Windows operating system.
Linux
is a free operating system and is gaining popularity with
computer makers such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
Currently,
OIN executives are touring Indian technology centres hosting
IT and intellectual property (IP) like Bangalore and Hyderabad
which houses IT majors such as Wipro and Infosys and is
on a patent-hunt for Linux related software which the
company plans to make available to all by licensing them
on a royalty-free basis.
"We
have already spent several million dollars in acquiring
over 100 US and foreign patents and applications... and
we have ample supply of money to buy others that may exist
in India and other emerging markets," Jerry Rosenthal,
CEO, Open Invention Network, said at a press conference.
"Many Indian software development companies and customers
have found it challenging to understand and adhere to
intellectual property IP and patent rules and regulations,"
said Rosenthal. "Because Linux is based on openness
and sharing of the software code base, it is ideally suited
for Indian software developers, vendors, resellers and
customers that want access to powerful IT technology without
worrying about IP and patent issues," he added.
During
its tour of India, Open Invention Network''s executives
will meet with business leaders, government officials
and intellectual property (IP) experts to discuss ways
to protect Linux and ensure its availability in order
to maintain the pace of IT innovation. While in New Delhi,
Bangalore and Hyderabad, OIN will host a series of gatherings
where industry influencers and technology leaders will
discuss ways to further Linux adoption and protection
in India.
Patents
owned by Open Invention Network are available royalty-free
to any company, institution or individual that agrees
not to assert its patents against the Linux System. This
enables companies to continue to make significant corporate
and capital expenditure investments in Linux -- helping
to fuel economic growth.
In
less than a year, OIN has accumulated more than 100 strategic,
worldwide patents and patent applications. These patents
are available to all licensees as part of the patent commons
that OIN is creating around, and in support of Linux.
Through the accumulation of patents that may be used to
shield the Linux environment, including users of Linux
software, OIN has reduced the need for offers of protection
from others.
This
makes it economically attractive for companies that want
to repackage, embed and use Linux to host specialised
services or create complementary products. Additionally,
it helps ensure the continuation of innovation that has
benefited software vendors, customers, emerging markets
and investors.
Open
Invention Network is an intellectual property company
formed to further the Linux System by acquiring patents
and ensuring their availability. It promotes a positive,
fertile ecosystem for Linux, which in turn drives innovation
and choice in the global marketplace. Open Invention Network
has considerable industry backing. It was launched in
2005, and has received investments from IBM, NEC, Novell,
Philips, Red Hat and Sony
|