OSDL gives a boost to open source start-ups

I have to tell ya, it is really great to see larger companies coming to the aid of smaller ones. This is true especially when it involves companies wanting to work with Open Source technologies. The Datamonitor is reporting that the Open Source Development Lab has been working to do their part by creating a special new center to encourage technology start-ups wanting to begin developing Open Source projects.

The Open Source Development Lab is set to open a new center to encourage technology start-ups working on open source technologies with the backing of the local State and City governments.

The announcement might not generate the excitement that false rumors regarding OSDL’s supposed plan to rewrite the Linux kernel to avoid potential patent problems, but it is a significant development for the open source promotion group.

The Open Technology Business Center, OTBC, will open on February 1 in Beaverton, Oregon, where the OSDL is based, and has been funded by the OSDL itself, the City of Beaverton, and the State of Oregon.

The center is dedicated to help the growth of new open source companies and will offer facilities and services to emerging open source firms. The scheme will see the OSDL offering consulting and advice to OTBC participants, covering areas such as open source business models, and identifying business opportunities.