Caldera OpenLinux
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| Caldera OpenLinux | |
|---|---|
| Name | Caldera OpenLinux |
| Developer | Caldera Systems, Inc. |
| Released | 1997 |
| Family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux) |
| License | Mixed (GPL and proprietary) |
Caldera OpenLinux was a commercial Linux distribution produced by Caldera Systems, Inc. in the late 1990s that aimed to provide a desktop- and server-oriented operating system for enterprise and small business users. The distribution sought to bridge gaps between traditional proprietary vendors such as Microsoft and open-source projects like GNU Project and Linux kernel contributors, integrating software from projects such as XFree86, KDE, and Apache HTTP Server while attempting to offer commercial support and management tools. Caldera Systems positioned the product amid competitors including Red Hat, SUSE, and Debian Project as the industry grappled with adoption across organizations like IBM, Novell, and Sun Microsystems.
History
Caldera Systems, founded by executives from Novell and WordPerfect Corporation and associated with figures linked to DoD procurement and Novell DOS, launched the distribution during an era shaped by events such as the rise of Linux International, the consolidation of UNIX System V vendors, and the commercialization strategies exemplified by Red Hat Linux 5 and SuSE Linux 6. Early versions incorporated components from GNU Compiler Collection, glibc, and the X Window System and were released as part of Caldera’s strategy to target customers familiar with Caldera Network Desktop offerings and corporate partners like Netscape Communications Corporation and Intel. Throughout its lifecycle the project navigated competition with distributions like MandrakeSoft and collaborations or confrontations with entities such as Free Software Foundation activists and contributors from projects like Samba, OpenSSH, and Perl. The company’s trajectory paralleled industry moves by Oracle Corporation into enterprise Linux and responses from vendors including Microsoft and IBM regarding standards and interoperability.
Features and Editions
OpenLinux editions bundled software stacks influenced by projects such as GNOME, KDE, Mozilla Foundation releases, and server packages like PostgreSQL and MySQL while packaging management utilities similar in spirit to tools from Red Hat Network and YaST. Caldera produced editions tailored to different markets, echoing segmentation strategies used by Sun Microsystems with Solaris and by SCO Group in enterprise UNIX suites; offerings included desktop-ready releases with productivity suites comparable to StarOffice and server-focused editions with services akin to Apache HTTP Server and Bind. The distribution included proprietary utilities and commercial installers that aimed to integrate with corporate identities and directory services such as LDAP deployments common in enterprises like HP and Digital Equipment Corporation. Support options, training partnerships, and certification efforts recalled programs run by Novell and Microsoft Certified Professional initiatives.
Architecture and System Components
The distribution relied on the Linux kernel and incorporated userland components from the GNU Project including the GNU C Library and Bash shell, network services from projects like OpenSSH and Samba, and graphical stacks such as XFree86 and desktop environments including KDE and GNOME. Packaging and installation followed RPM-based paradigms aligned with technologies used by Red Hat, while configuration utilities reflected influences from sysvinit legacy mechanisms and emerging alternatives being discussed at conferences like USENIX and LinuxTag. Caldera’s system components interfaced with hardware from vendors including Intel Corporation, AMD, Compaq, and IBM and supported filesystems like ext2 and emerging implementations in enterprise contexts discussed by The Open Group and contributors affiliated with Linux Foundation precursor efforts.
Reception and Market Impact
Industry observers compared Caldera’s commercial model to efforts by Red Hat and SUSE, and commentary appeared in venues such as InfoWorld, Linux Journal, ZDNet, and CNET. Analysts at firms like Gartner and IDC tracked adoption among small and medium enterprises and contrasted Caldera’s bundled support with vendor strategies from Microsoft and Novell. While praised by some reviewers for ease of installation and bundled management tools similar to packages from Corel and Mandriva, the distribution faced criticism concerning long-term viability relative to community-driven projects such as Debian Project and corporate-backed offerings from IBM and Oracle Corporation.
Legal Issues and Controversies
Caldera Systems became notably involved in high-profile litigation concerning intellectual property that drew comparisons to disputes involving Microsoft and IBM and legal strategies observed in cases such as those involving The SCO Group. The company’s legal posture prompted discussions in legal periodicals and technology-focused outlets including The Register and Wired, and it engaged counsel with experience in technology litigation reminiscent of firms that handled matters for Novell and Sun Microsystems. These controversies influenced perceptions among contributors from Free Software Foundation and stirred debate at community gatherings like LinuxWorld and OSCon.
Legacy and Influence
Although the distribution was discontinued and the company underwent restructuring and asset changes similar to consolidation events affecting SCO Group and other UNIX-era vendors, its efforts influenced commercial packaging, enterprise support models, and distribution of Linux intended for business users, informing later initiatives by Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and cloud-era offerings from Canonical (company). Components and personnel went on to affect projects and companies including Caldera International successors, collaborations with open-source projects like KDE e.V. and Apache Software Foundation, and discussions at standards bodies such as IEEE and organizations that later coalesced into the Linux Foundation. The product’s historical role is noted in retrospectives published by outlets including Linux Magazine and in analyses of commercialization paths taken by Linux vendors.