Why Oracle Isn't Part of the OSDL

darthcamaro writes "Some may wonder why OSDL, the self-proclaimed center of gravity for the Linux Universe and employer of Linus Torvalds, does not include Oracle as a member. Well, in a recent interview Wim Coekaerts, Director of Linux Engineering at Oracle has spelled it out in no uncertain terms. From the article: 'The thing that was really kind of revolting is that OSDL goes out and basically says that they represent the Linux community while there is no direct feedback line back to the community.'"

Comments

Quote Out Of Context?

[TheFlyingGoat]

Ok... while he DID say the direct feedback comment, it was in response to challenges that Oracles TAB will address. His response to the question of why they're not in the OSDL is:

Let's just say that one part of the OSDL is trying to represent businesses to the Linux community. I know that a number of the members aren't heavily involved in Linux but still are members.

We basically know where to go. We have a good relationship directly with people in the Linux community. We have all our partners. So there is no immediate advantage to being a member for us.

Not to sound arrogant, but we know how to deal with the Linux community.

What he's saying is that they're fine on their own, and that they're trying to avoid some of the problems that the OSDL has.

Summary put a bit of spin on that one.

Re:still no answer

[FST777]

Very few members of OSDL are actually kernel-producers. Oracle could well be on their place in OSDL because they could have a certain influence in the direction Linux is heading, as well as paying for it (no small thing to pay Linus).

But my question is: why is MySQL AG not a member? (some above stated they where, as a reason Oracle isn't. Look at the memberlist on osdl.org before making such bold statements)
Or when "producer of Linux" is THE requirement (I think it shouldn't): why are Linspire Inc. and Canonical Ltd. not members?