The LiPS Linux Phone Initiative defines a standardized software platform that allows applications and services to be deployed across all types of Linux telephony terminals. LiPs is hoping to foster interoperability and promote adoption of Linux as the operating system of choice for telephony applications and handsets.
John Ostrem, lead scientist at PalmSource, explains that LiPs works with companies and organizations to move their embedded applications to Linux. They have found that a standard platform is necessary to reduce the time to market and cost of Linux-based devices.
While much of the work of LiPs has been to research the needs and requirements of industry operators, the initiative also creates and maintains APIs between the kernel and UI that manufacturers can implement. LiPs provides an open, unified application environment, with the hope that a well established standard, similar to that of Windows Mobile and Symbian, will make Linux phones an attractive option to operators and consumers.
John Ostrem co-founded China MobileSoft, a company focused on developing Linux-based software and platforms for mobile phones for the Chinese and international markets. He served at various times as chairman, CEO, and CTO. China MobileSoft's technology has been included in over 80 shipping phones in the Chinese market. In January of 2005, China MobileSoft was acquired by PalmSource, Inc.
Ostrem is now lead scientist at PalmSource, where he is working on building PalmSource's involvement in key new global industry consortiums. He is a founding member and serves on the Board of Directors of the Linux Phone Standards Forum.
Ostrem began his career as a scientist and researcher at SRI (the former Stanford Research Institute), and developed the initial technology behind CIC, one of the first technology companies to be spun off from SRI. He is a graduate of the University of California.
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