Palm Adds Linux to its Lineup

The new platform, due before year end, will run the company's present operating system on top of a Linux kernel for more functionality

by Jo Best

Palm made headlines not long ago for its adoption of the Windows Mobile operating system. Now the handset maker's CEO has committed to adopting Linux too.

At a Palm analyst day in New York, Palm boss Ed Colligan revealed the company has been working on the platform for a number of years.

The platform, to be unveiled before the end of the year, will run the Palm OS on top of a Linux kernel although the phone maker has no plans to license the technology to other manufacturers.

Colligan said the company's decision to embrace the new OS will help it build a new foundation for Palm. "We expect it to improve reliability, performance and stability... and give us much more flexibility from a platform perspective," he said.

The Palm CEO said he expects extra functionality from the Linux platform, including the ability to handle voice and data traffic at the same time.

Palm had historically favoured its own proprietary OS. However, following a split which saw the company spin off its Palmsource unit, later acquired by Linux specialist Access, the company decided to diversify with a series of Windows Mobile Treos.

Despite its new commitment to Linux, Colligan restated Palm's commitment to using the Windows Mobile OS, telling analysts the company will "continue to deliver the platform focused on the business market".

But as part of its growth strategy, the phone maker hopes to concentrate on the SME and consumer market to drive sales, rather than its traditional enterprise heartland.

Meanwhile, with Palm struggling to definitely mark its place in the brave new world of smart phones, talk of a potential acquisition of the company continues. Colligan declined to comment on the rumour.

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