Developers must also ensure high availability and predictable response times, Swope said. In short, Linux must be bolstered so it can perform real-life data center applications. The prize will be awarded every six months, Swope said. Despite the buzz generated by the 2.4 kernel announcement last month, Linux faces real challenges, Swope said.
Fragmentation is one.
Others say that the number of Linux variants is actually shrinking to a handful. On the GUI front, a number of shells are vying for users, making it more difficult for ISVs to port integrated applications to Linux. The GUIs are getting more interoperable, said one Linux advocate at the show. But many said that extensive GUI work needs to be done. N.C. Observers noted the Linux community has banded around the Linux kernel and will prevent the creation of Linux variants.