Linux startups among top private European companies

In Europe, Linux is really begining to take off like a jackrabbit. Not just from the community perspective, but from the business side of things as well. According to LinuxDevices.com, European companies are doing pretty darn well as a matter of fact, when it comes to their Linux based endeavors.

Several embedded Linux-oriented companies were named to a list of top privately held companies in Europe and Israel. The 2004 Tornado100 list, assembled by European tech media company Tornado Insider, includes virtual platform start-up Jaluna, Linux firewall company Astaro, and VoIP (voice-over-IP) software pioneer Skype.

According to Jaluna, candidates for the Tornado100 were judged on:

* Delivering an innovation that shows the promise to set new standards
* Creating a major new audience
* Supplying a key piece of the ICT infrastructure
* Commanding a significant customer base
* Having the potential to become a global brand or standard
* Influencing a major market
* Receiving a significant amount of funding
* Having a strong valuation for a lucrative exit
* Having a management with previous successful exit experience