November 27, 2007
What’s in a name - “Open Kernel Labs”
When we were coming up with the name Open Kernel Labs, one of those three words, “Kernel,” was an obvious choice, because the core technology is a pure microkernel.
However, we had choices to make about the other two words—“Open”and “Labs.” We were quite deliberate in thinking about these words, because they speak to the unique advantages we offer the marketplace.
We want to convey a notion of openness. We embrace open source as a means for publishing technology, and we believe that in order for asystem to be trustworthy, it needs to have software that can be trusted. For software to be trusted, it needs to be open—open to public inspection rather than hidden behind proprietary licenses. Our openness provides a unique and differentiated value. This openness is not seen in other microkernel hypervisor virtualization-based solutions offered in the embedded systems space.
Openness is more than just about the way we publish the software; it really reflects the culture of the company. Being open is one unique aspect of who we are from which customers benefit.
“Labs” also reflects a distinct advantage of our company. We asked ourselves, “What is it about our labs that provides unique value to our customers.” Really, the labs represent our research heritage. Open Kernel Labs is a product of NICTA, Australia’s preeminent research and development organization. NICTA has been focused in both software and communications. This is not just a historical reference, because Open Kernel Labs has an ongoing relationship with NICTA, which means that ongoing research in embedded real-time operating systems is imbued to the company as well. The research heritage means that we are imbued with a rich treasure trove of intellectual property unmatched anywhere else with a similar company. We benefit from years of research that has been undertaken prior to the creation of the company and prior to the commercialization of the software products.
Posted by Steve Subar on November 27 at 05:43 AM
About Steve Subar:
Steve Subar, CEO and President of OK Labs, has been an honored leader in the technology industry for 20 plus years and has received several accolades for his work. Steve is an avid runner who can also be found communing with his surfboard in Bondi Beach, Australia; skiing the slopes of Beaver Creek, Colorado; or searching for the perfect Pinot Noir all over the world.