But the vendors are in it for financial success, and they'll think twice about being charitable while answering to their stockholders. Publicly, blue-chip vendors recognize Torvalds as the lead Linux developer, but note that they aren't beholden to his final nod to carry out their product plans, as they are with Microsoft's Bill Gates. Having a little bit of control like that is a good thing. It all boils down to market forces. Despite Torvalds' technical reign over Linux, IBM and Compaq have quickly become the industry's de facto Linux leaders, and tensions over the kernel's direction will heighten as market forces intensify, experts say.
Software companies try to have regular development cycles.
That's how you build a rhythm for a company. All at your fingertips, all in TechEncyclopedia.