Two companies with open source ambitions for smartphones have joined forces to further accelerate the development of handsets built on Linux. MontaVista and PalmSource this week announced plans to combine their expertise to develop integrated Linux solutions for handset vendors and mobile operators.

Consequently, the Palm platform provider has enrolled in MontaVista's Mobilinux Open Framework partner program and, for its part, MontaVista has signed up for PalmSource's Palm Powered Mobile World initiative.

The Palm Powered Mobile World program's goal is to support Palm software, hardware, solutions and revenue opportunities.

"Joining Palm Powered Mobile World enables MontaVista to work closely with the extensive PalmSource developer community and wireless ecosystem to provide the tools and knowledge facilitating development of innovative applications that leverage the functionality and openness of Linux," according to MontaVista VP of marketing Peder Ulander.

MontaVista unveiled a new embedded operating system, Mobilinux 4.0, designed for the $300 and $600 mobile and wireless device market in April. Its Mobilinux Open Framework aims to create and promote Linux-based handset reference architectures.

PalmSource recognizes MontaVista as the leading provider of Linux-based mobile solutions. The platform provider's VP of business development Albert Chu states, "Partnering with MontaVista will enable faster time to market for our mutual customers who want to deliver compelling, cost effective Linux-based mobile phone solutions."

Linux Commitments
At the time of MontaVista's introduction of Mobilinux 4.0, Ulander said the company was working with handset manufacturers and mobile operators to make sure their specifications were met through open and industry standard technologies.

Ulander told internetnews.com MontaVista has its sights set on the smartphone market leaders. He said, "Where we are sitting is in an opportunity where Linux can scale while Microsoft and Symbian are rigid and closed opportunities."

PalmSource made its commitment to open source late last year with the acquisition of China Mobile Soft (CMS) and its mobile handset Linux platform. PalmSource said at the time it plans to leverage Linux to strengthen Palm's position in the smartphone market.

More recently, the platform provider announced it would use Linux as the underpinnings of the Palm OS going forward rather than continue to upgrade the operating system as it is currently configured.

PalmSource's Chu told PDAStreet at CTIA Wireless in March that supporting Linux is a strategic move on the part of the company. That's because many handset vendors, carriers-principally outside of the U.S—and even the Chinese government—are exploring how Linux can help improve business.