Two bodies backing Linux are to merge in a bid to strengthen the hand of the open-source operating system against Windows and avoid Unix-style fragmentation.

Pending ratification by their respective members, the Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) and the Free Standards Group will complete their combination early next month to form the Linux Foundation, a group that will aim to improve the marketing and development the Linux platform by providing a base for organising the disparate strands of multiple vendors, users and developers. The websites of the OSDL and FSG already resolve to the Linux Foundation home page.

In the past, the groups have attempted to bring together the Linux community to avoid legal pitfalls and share strategic development directions, mitigating against the potential chaos of overlapping efforts that many industry observers say slowed acceptance of Unix.

The combination comes in the wake of big changes at the OSDL, which cut staff in December and saw CEO Stuart Cohen resign.

In a 6 January email sent out to contacts, Cohen wrote: “I want to express my gratitude and satisfaction after four very good years at the helm of OSDL. Due to all our hard work and strong partnerships, OSDL has had the level of success and influence that the founding companies and board of directors set out to deliver.”

Former Unilever chief technology officer Colin Hope-Murray started as OSDL Europe chief in July 2006.