Paul Krill
Editor at Large

Linux carrier-grade spec enhances file systems, security

news
Apr 6, 20113 mins

Capabilities in the CGL 5.0 update focus on data portability and redundancy requirements as well as carrier and data center security gaps

The Linux Foundation on Wednesday will release version 5.0 of its Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) specification, which covers capabilities such as more reliable file systems and security. CGL 5.0 is intended to address a mature marketplace in which the demands on data transferred among networks has increased.

Telecom networks must handle content types including streaming video, audio, and packet traffic, for example, with no service interruptions, the foundation said. “CGL today is a recognized industry standard on which the world’s leading telecom companies rely to build their networks. The CGL workgroup members have significantly contributed to the adoption of Linux in the telecom market,” said foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin in a statement released by the foundation.

[ How much do you really know about Linux? Take InfoWorld’s Linux admin IQ test and the Linux IQ test, round 2. | Get the latest insights and news on open source trends with InfoWorld’s Technology: Open Source newsletter. Subscribe today! ]

With version 5.0, the Linux Foundation is intending to address requirements including an increased focus on highly reliable file systems, including data portability and redundancy requirements; carrier and data center security gaps, including role-based access control; expanded diagnostics and debugging, and online system tuning.

The foundation said a number of requirements have been dropped from the specification due to the mass adoption and ubiquity of CGL and its inclusion in the mainline Linux kernel. However, the foundation on Wednesday morning could not immediately list the dropped requirements.

Collaboration on CGL began in 2002. Today there are six CGL distributions from vendors including Novell, MontaVista, and Wind River. The specification is currently available for review.

Also on Wednesday, the foundation will announce its Yocto Project Release 1.0, which provides common embedded Linux tools including a developer interface and build system improvements for developers. The foundation will also unveil the Yocto Project Steering Group, which includes representatives from companies such as Dell, Intel, Mentor Graphics, and Wind River.

Based on Linux kernel 2.6.37, Yocto Project Release 1.0 offers a new process for gathering, compiling, and building from upstream source code, aimed at achieving higher build reliability and a better user interface experience. Faster builds and better performance are featured, as well as a new application toolkit installer and application development guide. Updates to the project’s X Windows system boost security for target devices.

“The Yocto Project tools will help ease and speed embedded Linux development,” Zemlin said. Yocto Project Release 1.0 is available for review.

This article, “Linux carrier-grade spec enhances file systems, security,” was originally published at InfoWorld.com. Follow the latest developments in business technology news and get a digest of the key stories each day in the InfoWorld Daily newsletter. For the latest developments in business technology news, follow InfoWorld.com on Twitter.

Paul Krill

Paul Krill is editor at large at InfoWorld. Paul has been covering computer technology as a news and feature reporter for more than 35 years, including 30 years at InfoWorld. He has specialized in coverage of software development tools and technologies since the 1990s, and he continues to lead InfoWorld’s news coverage of software development platforms including Java and .NET and programming languages including JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, and Go. Long trusted as a reporter who prioritizes accuracy, integrity, and the best interests of readers, Paul is sought out by technology companies and industry organizations who want to reach InfoWorld’s audience of software developers and other information technology professionals. Paul has won a “Best Technology News Coverage” award from IDG.

More from this author