The Corel Linux Advisory Council will allow leading vendors and open source and commercial Linux advocates to come together and discuss challenges and opportunities facing the operating system, a step which will bring Linux closer to moving into the corporate and desktop world.

At its first meeting held recently at Corel headquarters Ottawa, the council members reached decisions that could go a long way in impacting the future of Linux. "This was a fantastic opportunity to bring together major commercial vendors and commercial and open source advocates," according to a senior Corel executive.

It has been decided to create a centralised depository for Linux, giving users one online site for bug fixes and patches and making Linux training available on the Web, he added.

The Linux votaries alsodecided to launch a centralised training model for recognised Linux certification, discussed the importance of making Linux available in universities and schools and most importantly, support local user groups.

Corel has already said that it is committed to open standards and will develop products for Linux and Java platforms, in addition to Windows, Macintosh and Unix. Development of its popular products such as the CorelDrawr line of graphics applications and the Corel WordPerfect suite of business tools is continually evolving to meet the newer demands of the corporate, retail and academic markets.