The first Linux-related news I wanted to tell you about is that four companies from the US, Canada, Brazil and Japan have decided to join The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux. The four new companies in question are as follows: Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS), Savoir-Faire Linux, ProFUSION Embedded Systems, DENSO Corporation. They joined The Linux Foundation with the aim of advancing the operating system for next-generation electronics (connected automobiles, phones, TVs, etc) and for industrial automation and the development of mobile and web applications.

Vice president of marketing and developer programs at The Linux Foundation, Amanda McPherson, had this to comment:
“Companies and organizations are coming to Linux from every industry and every region around the globe. The collective commitment to the platform is advancing Linux for a new generation of computing as we look towards the next 20 years. We’re very excited to welcome these leading companies to The Linux Foundation.”

Here’s a quick look at the four new companies that decided to join The Linux Foundation:

• Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) – company that provides product development services and training and develops sophisticated, multi-touch applications for modern devices running Linux. The company is headquartered in the US.
• Savoir-Faire Linux - helps companies maximize their return on investment through seamless integration of Linux and open source software in existing business environments. Headquartered in Canada, this company specializes in embedded Linux development, enterprise application consulting, and infrastructure design and support.
• ProFUSION Embedded Systems – company that develops Linux and Android embedded software technologies for TVset-top boxes, media centers, tablets, mobile phones, and other devices. The company is based in Brazil.
• DENSO Corporation – leading supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components for all the world’s major automakers. Headquartered in Japan, the company in 35 countries around the world and employs more than 120,000 people.

The abovementioned companies will take part in the first-ever Automotive Linux Summit, event that will take place on the 28th of November, at the Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan. The summit will focus on the fact that the Linux open source helps connect the world’s network of devices, cars include. As The Linux Foundation explained, the summit is specifically designed for the automotive industry and the growing cross-industry ecosystem for the future of mobility solutions.

And so we get to the second Linux-related news I wanted to report. The news is that The Linux Foundation made public the program for the abovementioned Automotive Linux Summit. Here’s the quick breakdown:

• There will be 6 keynote presentations from major car manufacturers and the Linux kernel community.
• There will be 15 breakout sessions that will cover best practices for Linux in automotive, HTML5 technology in cars, compliance, and In-Vehicle-Infotainment, and other topics.

“Linux has a competitive advantage in the automotive industry due to its ability to support the long-term support needs of automakers,” said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation. “But we’re at the very beginning of what Linux will do to revolutionize the way people interact with their cars. The Automotive Linux Summit will help advance that work.”

Additional information on the Automotive Linux Summit is available here.