The two Linux distributors said in a statement they will make use of Oracle's software development center in Beijing to jointly create a new Linux-based server operating environment called "Asianux."
Asianux would have a shared Linux core, enabling the much-needed interoperability between both companies' products, the companies said.
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In the long run, the companies hope this initiative will help promote Linux standards in the region. Increased adoption of Asianux in Asia-Pacific may give software and hardware companies a good reason to certify their wares on Linux because they would not need to support multiple versions of the open-source operating system.
The companies confirmed that they will base upcoming product releases such as Red Flag DC 4.1 and Miracle Linux 3.0 on Asianux but did not reveal when these products will be available. The two companies also aim to set up a joint support center at Oracle's Beijing facility to provide technical assistance to Chinese customers using Asianux-based products. U.S.-based Oracle is a majority stakeholder in Miracle Linux and a longtime partner of Red Flag on the mainland.
Besides cooperating on the common Linux backbone, Tokyo-based Miracle Linux said it is also evaluating the viability of bringing Red Flag's desktop operating system to Japan.
This announcement serves as a further testament to the strong open-source momentum in North Asia. Chinese, Japanese and Korean authorities have long expressed their intent to develop an alternative operating system to Microsoft Windows. In September, the trio signed a pact to jointly research and develop non-Windows, open-source systems.
