NEW YORK, NY -January 31, 2002-In a move that will allow true interoperability between Linux distributions and better internationalization capabilities, the Free Standards Group has released LSB 1.1 and Li18nux 1.0. LSB enhances existing compatibility among Linux distributions and will enable software applications to run on any compliant Linux-based operating system. The Linux Internationalization Initiative (Li18nux) creates a foundation for language globalization of compliant distributions and applications.

LSB 1.1 provides a full set of agreed-upon standards that will allow Linux distributions and developers of Linux-based applications to work together seamlessly, decreasing development costs while allowing them to concentrate on adding capabilities to Linux. LSB 1.1 boasts a full complement set of common APIs, a development package plus full testing capabilities, ensuring true compatibility and interoperability.

Li18nux is an internationalization guide for platform and applications developers, allowing Linux and Linux-based programs to reach greater localization capabilities and obtain global reach. Linux is already the fastest-growing operating system in the world. Li18nux 1.0 and LSB 1.1 will accelerate its growth and reach. Access to both LSB 1.1 and Li18nux 1.0 is available through the Free Standards Group web site, www.freestandards.org.

"The Rosetta Stone of Linux has been forged," said Scott McNeil, Free Standards Group executive director. "With written guidelines, test suites and build environments, the LSB and Li18nux will give application developers the tools they need to easily reach users world wide."

LSB 1.1 standardizes the core functionality of Linux and the suite of GNU tools, giving Linux distributions the opportunity to reach a wider market, while allowing application developers to concentrate on increased functionality. The guidelines and testing suite make it easy to achieve LSB compliance.

"Linux development is often driven by the enjoyment of writing and sharing great code," said George Kraft, LSB Workgroup chair. "With the release LSB 1.1, Linux developers can more easily focus on the pleasure of programming with the ease of mind that comes from knowing that their work will work seamlessly across all compatible distributions."

Li18nux was created to answer the critical need to have a common foundation for language globalization. Li18nux includes vital tools needed by Linux distributions and applications in their globalization efforts.

"With a Li18nux 1.0 compliant system, language, currency, time and other localization support have turned from a problem to an asset." said Hideki Hiura, Li18nux Workgroup co-chair. "Through the efforts of the development community and IT industry Linux is now truly global."

With LSB 1.1 and Li18nux 1.0's full complement standards and testing capabilities, the Free Standards Group has created indispensable tools for Linux.

About the Free Standards Group Supported by industry leaders, the Free Standards Group is an independent, vendor-neutral, non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the use and acceptance of open source technologies through the development, application and promotion of standards. Headquartered in Oakland, Calif., the Free Standards Group fulfills a critical need in the open source development community to have common behavioral specifications, tools and APIs, making development across Linux distributions easier. More information on the Free Standards Group is available at www.freestandards.org.