Linux leaps toward KDE/GNOME compatibility

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Apr. 04, 2006

The Open Source Development Labs (OSDL), the consortium dedicated to the adoption of Linux, and freedesktop.org, the open-source project focused on interoperability for X Window System desktops, announced the technology preview of the first set of common interfaces for the GNOME and KDE Linux desktops, today at LinuxWorld in Boston.

The Portland Project's technology preview is focused on two sets of interfaces -- a suite of command line tools and a set of library APIs (application program interfaces) called DAPI. The DAPI APIs are part of a service-oriented architecture that Linux developers can use to provide customized services while maintaining a common set of interfaces across desktops.

The software was developed by the "Portland Project." Portland was the project started by open source desktop Linux leaders with the mission of dramatically simplifying the process of porting and integrating applications on GNOME and KDE Linux desktops.

The new common protocols are being released to ISVs (independent software vendors) for testing, and the first beta is expected next month. The final set of the interfaces are slated for inclusion in the Linux Standard Base, the Linux industry's standard of record for interoperability between applications and the Linux platform.

"The Portland Project's release schedule is dependent on continued input and collaboration from the community, Linux vendors and ISVs," said Waldo Bastian, Linux client architect at Intel. "We expect that with the level of involvement we've seen in just the last three months, we will closely meet our schedule and that the additional feedback from ISVs on this technology preview will make the 1.0 release rock solid."

"The Portland Project is moving fast to deliver common interfaces that will give PC makers the nudge they need to make Linux a serious element of their business strategy," said Stuart Cohen, CEO of OSDL. "

KDE and GNOME are both on board for these new APIs, as well.

"We are confident that the Portland interfaces will increase the use of Linux on the desktop and will drive both demand for, and contributions to our software," said Jeff Waugh, a director of the GNOME Foundation board. "Portland will further encourage third party development for enterprise and small business applications on the Linux desktop platform."

"Ultimately, the common set of interfaces allows ISVs to write applications that integrate with any operating environment the user chooses," said Thiago Macieira, one of KDE's technical directors. "Our developers have worked together with ISVs to make this possible and we think this effort adds real value throughout the Linux desktop ecosystem."

"The Portland Project protocols are a godsend for ISVs like CodeWeavers," said Jeremy White, CEO of CodeWeavers, which works on programs that enable Linux users to run Windows programs. "It makes basic desktop integration tasks much simpler, slashing development time and reducing development hassle. Further, as it becomes commonly adopted, it will allow ISVs to ship a single product that will nicely integrate with whatever environment the user chooses."

The new APIs will also give desktop PC vendors like Dell and HP, and enterprise application companies, such and SAP, added incentive to support desktop Linux.

The first Portland beta will be released in May 2006, with final release of Portland 1.0 expected in June 2006. The Portland Project technology preview is available here.

-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols

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