Desktop Linux (workgroup)

The Desktop Linux (DTL) workgroup has been carried forward from the Open Source Development Lab (OSDL) into the Linux Foundation to promote, protect, and standardize desktop Linux.

The Desktop Linux workgroup is working towards making the Linux desktop in the enterprise a reality. To achieve this objective:

* Move toward a standard Linux desktop application environment by moving desktop APIs into the desktop LSB profile.
* Identify and remove barriers that ISVs face in porting to and developing on Linux.
* Identify and promote a set of desktop Linux usage models and the standards needed for those usage models.
* Identify mismatches and gaps between existing desktop implementations and the usage models, then work with the open source community to address those problems.
* Promote and sponsor key desktop community events.

The Desktop Linux Workgroup consists of a cross-section of Linux Foundation members including IT vendors, Linux distributors, ISVs and end users. The Linux desktop community is comprised of many desktop organizations (.orgs), Linux distributions, and products (open and proprietary). This initiative approaches Linux on the desktop from this segmented perspective. The threshold of entry is much lower in segments where the application demands are lower.

The Desktop Linux workgroup is interested in supporting a unified Linux desktop community. The DTL has invited desktop architects from these organizations, distributions, and vendors to several meetings. These meetings have been focused around these major areas:

* ISV and developer support (Portland Project, developer portal)
* Open source (and mainlined) drivers (printing, wireless)
* Linux desktop and standards (LSB, packaging/installation, ODF)
* Sound and multimedia
* Coming together as a Linux Desktop Community (including the international Linux Desktop Community)

Below is a picture of the very first meeting of the Destkop Architects: