Alone among global commercial Linux vendors, explains Luo Wei, marketing and channel director of Novell China, Novell joined the China Linux Standards Group right from its foundation in April 2004 - with approval from China's Ministry of Information Industry - to develop and define essential standards for Linux-related architectures in China.

This reflected, says Luo Wei, "both the China Linux Standards Group's high opinion of Novell and Novell's commitment to a greater focus on the Chinese market."

"Novell believes," he continues, "that the Chinese Linux Standards Group will play an important role in the development of the Chinese Linux industry, and, subsequently, the development of the global Linux industry."

Representatives from Novell China will work with the Standards Group's officials and other members to contribute to the group's Linux standardization initiatives and education efforts.

"We are pleased to see that Novell fully supports Chinese Linux standards," says Doctor Zhang Hongfen, head of the China Linux Standard Group. "Novell's membership will contribute significantly to the definition of Chinese Linux standards. Novell has been extensively involved in the definition of international software standards, with abundant experience in this field and a good relationship with global technology communities. This will help our group stay informed on the latest Linux trends in a timely and effective manner."

Novell will participate with other members to coordinate input from various local and national software development communities and Chinese enterprises, and provide Linux consulting and guidance to Chinese IT scholars and experts.

This initiative is expected to significantly shape the emerging Linux market in China.