| Canadian university sponsored project delivers Linux desktop, server software |
Apr. 06, 2004
 A group of Canadian university students have formed the Ignalum Linux Project (ILP) and released a version of Linux for the desktop -- and server. Ignalum Linux is based on the work of Western Ontario (UWO) students in London, Ontario.
(Click for larger view of the Ignalum desktop)
The RPM-based software works on a Windows network right out-of-the-box and also acts as a domain controller so that Windows machines can authenticate themselves on the network running as a server.
Ignalum's advanced Internet-sharing and IPv6-over-NAT capabilities are not included in the currently available download, but will be incorporated into the next version. It will be based on the latest Fedora Core. The group has team with another student group at UWO, which has built a graphics engine that can compile under Linux, according to the project.
The student initiated project's philosophy says they are "committed to bridging the gap between collaborative open source projects by developing a unique brand of Linux that offers smooth and unequalled integration among programs and between the operating system and system software."
To improve support, ILP has teamed up with the Open Support Guild. Through this relationship, UWO Computer Science and Computer and Software Engineering students will be able to join Ignalum/OSG as members and have an opportunity to work with IT firms across Canada in project development.
Ignalum got its start in 2002 by computer science student Daniel Ho. Ho was joined by three students -- Michael Pietrantonio, a fourth year engineering student; Yu Shao, a masters student in computer science; and Regan Pestle, a student pursuing a concurrent degree in finance and computer science all signed on. The team holds corporate roles in Ignalum's corporate project and the group's goals include a public offering in the future, says the website. Currently, Ignalum is privately held, owned by its management team and a few strategic investors.
ILP is trying to establish additional funding and have asked for UWO students to join the efforts in not only engineering and computer science, but can contribute to the project in areas beyond writing code -- writing documentation and collateral, translations, graphics design and business roles are also available. All opportunities should help students will gain the experience necessary to secure future employment in today's scarce job market, says the website.
View Ignalum screenshots. Ignalum's Linux distribution is available as an ISO image for download.
(Click here for further information)
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