Linux breaks new ground in China

The infinitely customisable nature of Linux has resulted in its expanding footprint across industry sectors and world regions. Beyond the internet and data centres, it’s now found in devices such as Kindles, smart TVs, and even Tesla cars.

Geography-wise, China is a country that has witnessed tremendous increase in Linux use. According to the 2012 IDC Worldwide Quarterly Server Tracker, Linux server market growth in China surged from 9.2 to 33.2% between 2002 and 2012—a rate surpassing the global average.

And there are other telling signs. Tencent, one of the biggest tech companies in China and the world, was among the first to use the OpenDaylight Project’s Software Defined Networking controllers to manage its massive data flows. The Chinese government has even developed Ubuntu Kylin, a national Linux distro which, as of 2015, comes pre-installed on 40% of all Dell computers sold within the country.

Responding to China’s growing interest and demand for Linux knowhow, two open source technology events have been organised here previously – Cloud Foundry Summit Asia 2015 and MesosCon Asia 2016 – both of which were very well-received.

This year, we decided to take things one step further. From June 19-20, three flagship Linux conferences – LinuxCon, ContainerCon, and CloudOpen – will be taking place in China for the very first time. Known as LC3, this landmark event will cover the most exciting topics in open source, such as open networking, Blockchain, microservices, and compliance issues.

Our ultimate aim is to help foster local leaders in open source communities around the world. We hope that LC3 will serve as a springboard for further such projects in China.

Further information on this and other Linux Foundation events can be found at http:// events.linuxfoundation.org.