Wednesday, June 06, 2012: In what can be termed as one of the most strategic and long-term investment in the Linux platform, Samsung Electronics has invested $500,000 to join the Linux Foundation at the platinum level. Platinum level is the highest tier of membership and carries an amount of about $500,000 as the membership fee. This membership will allow the electronics giant to have a greater oversight on the forthcoming versions of Linux. It includes the much-awaited Tizen platform as well. The company's investments in Android and other Linux-based operating systems and tools are seen as a road to success for Samsung. Samsung uses Linux throughout its company, across product lines, divisions and geographies. Its Android-based Galaxy series has been positively received and is experiencing high demand in all regions around the globe, alongside other Linux-based consumer electronics such as televisions and home appliances. By using Linux, the company aims to innovate on device design and functionality, offering a large variety of electronics products at varying price points.
This announcement strengthens Samsung’s commitment to Linux and investing its resources in a platform will help the company sustain its global leadership position. The company will work with The Linux Foundation on streamlining its participation with the kernel community and adopting open source best practices.

Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation, said, “By becoming a leader among its peers in Linux and open source software, Samsung Electronics is clearly raising the bar for innovation once again. The company's commitment to Linux and investment in its development firmly plants it in a position to continue its achievements in the mobile, embedded and consumer electronics markets. This is a strategic business decision that will result in advancing Samsung Electronics' success and accelerating Linux development work."

Commenting on the investment Wonjoo Park, Vice President, Samsung Electronics, said, "The Linux Foundation is an important organization. It brings the right people and resources together to help companies and developers advance Linux for everyone. We're looking forward to increasing collaboration and support for our growing portfolio of Linux-based devices and to making contributions that advance Linux for all."

It is worth mentioning here that there are three classes of corporate membership at The Linux Foundation: Silver, Gold and Platinum. The Platinum level of membership is the highest level of membership. Samsung Electronics joins an influential group of companies that have exhibited tremendous leadership and support for Linux and, as a Platinum member, will have a seat on The Linux Foundation's Board of Directors.