IT News & Technology update

VIA Goes Open-Source, Embraces Linux

Written by IT News on 8:19 AM

By: Bogdan Botezatu, Hardware Editor

Taiwan chip manufacturer VIA has announced a new project aimed at supporting open-source development, in writing software for companies, processors and chipsets. The company also announced its official Web site VIA Linux, which will welcome its first visitors at the end of this month.

When, finally, the site is public, open-source developers will be able to download and post-Linux source for the drivers, as well as technical documentation, source code and information on the VIA CN700, CX700 / M, CN896 and new chipsets VIA VX800.

As the draft rolls, the chip manufacturer will establish a full-fledged development in the community forums, bug tracking, and online support. The company priority on the development agenda provides software to enable 2D, 3D and video acceleration on the VIA processor platforms.

"This statement is the first step in the implementation of the new initiatives in order to better meet the needs of Open Source community," commented Richard Brown, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc "We strongly increase the level of collaboration with the community and the adoption of a more consistent approach on the platform processor VIA Technologies. "

In order to put into open source in time, VIA will next quarterly release schedule in accordance with the important developments in the Linux world, such as changes in the nucleus or the release of major distributions.

Beta releases will be paid an additional admission, and the company relies on user feedback and error reports, in order to obtain full, stable version of the software.

"We are delighted that VIA has announced its commitment to strengthen support for Linux and the Open Source community," said Jim Zemlin, executive director of The Linux Fund. "This action opens up exciting new opportunities to accelerate innovation around open source platforms VIA, and ultimately deliver a better user experience."

VIA, in cooperation with the Linux open-source community is an important step in a proper driver for the next generation of ultra-mobile PCs powered company ultra-low-voltage equipment.