Open source makes further strides in China

Open source software development in China is likely to get a boost with a leading Chinese software firm deciding to join the Open Source Development Labs.

Announcing the new addition on Friday, the OSDL said Beijing Co-Create Open Source Software plans to focus on Linux kernel development and the promotion of the Linux desktop in China. It is the second addition to the OSDL from Asia this week, after Japan's NEC Soft.

Co-Create, launched by 10 local vendors in 2001, is the promoter of China's first open source community, OpenDesktop.net, which focuses on the desktop use of Linux. It is working on development of commercial desktop Linux products, making Linux compatible with other operating systems and building network application systems.

OSDL expects more Chinese companies to join in the future, a representative said.

The use of open source software in China is on the rise. Earlier this month, Red Hat said it is opening offices there and plans to forge an alliance with Beijing-based Red Flag Software. According to Red Hat's Alex Pinchev, since China is wary of using software that has inner workings it cannot study, open source products have a greater appeal there. Microsoft, responding to that desire, has set up a lab in China where the government may scrutinise source code of its operating system software.

Dinesh C Sharma writes for CNET News.com.