For the first-time, Intel has been able to displace dedicated software companies to become the largest contributor to Linux
Intel has emerged as the biggest contributor to open source software Linux in the world. A report from the Linux Foundation on Wednesday said Intel was the largest corporate sponsor of new contributions to the Linux computer operating system.
Intel explores new opportunities
Intel has achieved the top ranking for the first time, replacing top notch software companies. Linux was first developed by computer programmer Linus Torvalds, who relocated to Oregon in 2004 and continues to oversee further additions to Linux “Kernel” from his home in Dunthorpe. Torvalds shares a good relationship with Intel.
Intel employees have made around 10,000 more changes to Linux Kernel, according to the Linux Foundation, which a non-profit organization created to coordinate Linux’s development and support Torvalds’ work.
Linux plays a significant role in computers integrated inside communications networks and industrial equipment, which are vital segments for Intel, says a report from Oregon Live. The chip maker adjusted its processors to adapt to the Linux-based Android operating system, which runs on chips from ARM Holdings.
The chip maker wants to explore new markets through its chips by integrating it in wearable computing, connected appliances and mobile technologies. Intel has hired several thousand software developers to assist in developing new features for Linux, says the report. Doug Fisher, who heads Intel’s software group, is also on the board of the Linux Foundation.
Earnings revenue from IT efforts
Separately, Intel has been able to earn $350 million in revenue during 2014 by using a component of the IT infrastructure it supplies, according to the company’s annual IT business review. The report suggested Intel is exploiting IT services in a better way like data analytics and collaboration tools for “optimized business workflows and [to] unlock new insights” to generate millions of dollars of new revenue.
Kim Stevenson, Intel’s chief information officer, suggested that the Internet of Things is yet another tool that will enhance productivity. The chip maker said the largest contribution to revenue came from multiple data source integration into a decision-support system that added more than $250 million to spike revenue by tweaking supply and demand.
