The partnership of the two companies, said a statement, "aims to capitalize on the competitive forces of both VA Linux's experience with server-level applications including the Linux Kernel, and SWL's rich experience on desktop applications and knowledge of internationalization (I18N) techniques, especially for Asian languages."

Both firms will in cooperation promote the adoption of Debian-based systems in both Japanese and Chinese domestic markets, particularly the telecommunications and enterprise sectors in Japan and government and public arenas in China.

Currently VA Linux has six official Debian developers, including Simon Horman, well known for his contribution to the load-balancer UltraMonkey and the Debian kernel team, and Takuo Kitame, a renowned developer for his work on GNOME and Mozilla-related technologies. There are two official Debian developers at SWL, including Roger So, an I18N specialist and a steering committee member of OpenI18N.

"In Asia, especially in Japan and China, Open Source is getting huge publicity and is now well-received," said Tetsuya Ueda, president and CEO of VA Linux. "To promote a truly free and universal OS such as Debian supports this trend strongly and pushes it further. We at VA Linux regard Debian as indispensable since it provides our valuable customers with a practical alternative, which can be freely used and deployed, and is highly customizable. I am sure that the strategic alliance with SWL will push Debian one step further, and considerably facilitate the adoption of Open Source solutions in both Japan and China."

"The Asia Open Source movement is gathering momentum for the next stage of explosive growth. Co-operation is the essence to achieve success in any given open source project. I am excited about joining forces with VA Linux of Japan to further accelerate Debian development. Aside from technological discoveries and strategic marketing, the partnership also allows us to nurture Debian specialists in both countries, with the aim of doubling the number of official Debian developers in the near future," said Alex Banh, CEO of Sun Wah Linux.

Banh added, "The Debian Project is a rock solid open source distribution and is an inseparable part of the Sun Wah Linux business. It promotes true open source spirit and offers incomparable values to our customers. I am seeing a growing number of Debian users in China and I am certain that the strategic alliance with VA Linux will contribute significantly to the development and adoption of Open Source solutions in our respective countries."