Is the Linux Kernel In Trouble?

“Does Linux kernel development face a crisis in the coming
years? That was one of the topics of discussion at LinuxCon this
week, and the concern has been raised before. The kernel, of
course, is the product of one of the longest collaborative software
projects ever, and continues to get substantial parts of it forward
progress from contributions from commercial companies. There is
concern, though, that the kernel is too complicated for the
existing development model now, and concern that commercially
driven development interests will skew away from what might produce
the healthiest possible kernel.

“ZDNet’s Paula Rooney notes:

“”Attracting talent to work on the kernel will be more
challenging in the future, according to James Bottomley, a Linux
kernel maintainer and 20-year distinguished engineer (SUSE) at
Novell. Now that the kernel and Linux industry is mature,
commercial opportunities have become far more appealing to new
developers than kernel development”

Complete
Story