Lab improves Linux kernel patch tests
The Open Source Development Lab has created a code benchmarking tool--known as the Scalable Test Platform--that it says will allow developers to easily test their Linux kernel patches from a variety of tests and server configurations.
Tim Witham, the director of the OSDL--an independent, non-profit lab designed for developers who are adding enterprise capabilities to Linux--believes the STP fulfills a critical need in the open-source developer community.
"With the launch of STP, developers can easily test their Linux kernel patches selecting from a variety of tests and server configurations. This performance-testing tool is aimed at improving the quality of Linux patches and upgrades and the speed with which open-source software is developed by providing a means for performance measurement and comparison," Witham said in a media invitation to further discuss the technology.
Until now, open-source developers have had no centralized means for testing kernel patches and upgrades or for recording the results, which has made scaling Linux more difficult.
"The launch of STP validates the reliability, robustness and stability of Linux and open-source developments and makes industry-standard testing easy and readily available to anyone in the Linux development community," he added. "The OSDL hopes that STP will accelerate Linux development, as well as its acceptance into the data center." Witham could not be immediately reached for additional comment.
The charter of the lab, which formally opened its doors in January, does not allow it to undertake new projects, but rather to support and accelerate existing or new projects developed by the open-source community.
In January, Witham told eWEEK that the lab's first project would focus on scalability and would be designed to enhance the Linux operating system to support 16 64-bit processors with near-linear performance improvement.
The second project, identified with open-source company jabber.org, focused on increasing Linux TCP/IP concurrent connection support from 20,000 to more than 64,000.
The OSDL, which operates as a single virtual lab for developers across the globe, has a number of servers that interface with high-speed Internet communication links, giving lab access to developers around the world.
The OSDL has two facilities, one near Portland, Ore., and the other in Tokyo.
Lab sponsors include Hewlett-Packard Co., Intel Corp., IBM, NEC Corp., Computer Associates International Inc., Fujitsu and Hitachi.
