# Linaro

> engineering organization for open source software on the ARM architecture

**Wikidata**: [Q1051139](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1051139)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linaro)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/linaro

## Summary
Linaro is an engineering organization focused on developing open source software for the ARM architecture. Founded in 2010 as a private company limited by shares, Linaro operates as a nonprofit organization that creates and maintains software tools, kernels, and development platforms specifically optimized for ARM-based systems.

## Key Facts
- Founded on June 3, 2010, with incorporation occurring on March 5, 2010 in the United Kingdom
- Officially named Linaro Limited with Companies House company ID 07180318
- Operates as both a nonprofit organization and free software entity
- Primary focus is on open source software development for ARM architecture systems
- Software distributed under Eclipse Public License terms
- Maintains active presence on multiple social media platforms including GitHub, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube
- YouTube channel (UCAl2MfCBjH5y0nIym0ujHfg) has approximately 5,060 followers as of January 2025

## FAQs
### Q: What type of organization is Linaro?
A: Linaro is a private company limited by shares that operates as a nonprofit organization focused on open source software engineering for ARM architecture. It was incorporated in the United Kingdom in 2010.

### Q: What is Linaro's primary focus?
A: Linaro specializes in developing open source software specifically for the ARM architecture, creating tools, kernels, and development platforms optimized for ARM-based systems.

### Q: Under what license does Linaro distribute its software?
A: Linaro distributes its software under the Eclipse Public License, which allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and modified versions.

## Why It Matters
Linaro plays a crucial role in the ARM ecosystem by providing essential open source software infrastructure that enables efficient development and deployment of ARM-based systems. As ARM processors power everything from smartphones and tablets to servers and embedded devices, Linaro's work ensures that developers have access to optimized, standardized software tools and platforms. The organization addresses the fragmentation challenges that can occur in open source development by coordinating efforts across multiple stakeholders and creating unified solutions. This collaborative approach helps accelerate innovation in the ARM ecosystem while reducing duplication of effort among different companies and projects. By focusing specifically on ARM architecture optimization, Linaro enables better performance, power efficiency, and compatibility across diverse ARM-based hardware platforms, making it easier for manufacturers and developers to bring products to market.

## Notable For
- Specialized focus on ARM architecture optimization in the open source domain
- Coordination of multiple stakeholder interests in ARM-based software development
- Maintenance of key development tools and platforms for ARM ecosystems
- Nonprofit model that promotes collaborative open source development
- Significant social media presence with active community engagement across platforms

## Body
### Organization Structure
Linaro Limited operates as a private company limited by shares incorporated in the United Kingdom with Companies House company ID 07180318. The organization functions as both a nonprofit organization and free software entity, combining commercial structure with open source mission objectives.

### Technical Focus
The organization specializes exclusively in open source software development for ARM architecture systems. This targeted approach allows Linaro to provide deep expertise and optimization specifically for ARM-based platforms, addressing the unique requirements of this widely-used processor architecture.

### Licensing and Distribution
Linaro distributes its software under the Eclipse Public License, ensuring that users can freely run, study, change, and distribute both the original software and modified versions. This licensing approach supports the organization's commitment to open source principles while providing legal clarity for users and contributors.

### Digital Presence
The organization maintains an active digital footprint across multiple platforms including GitHub (username: Linaro), Twitter (@linaroorg), Facebook (LinaroOrg), LinkedIn (ID: 1026961), and YouTube (channel ID: UCAl2MfCBjH5y0nIym0ujHfg). The YouTube channel has accumulated approximately 5,060 followers as of January 25, 2025.

### Incorporation Details
Linaro was officially incorporated on March 5, 2010, with operational activities beginning on June 3, 2010. The organization maintains its headquarters in the United Kingdom and operates under UK corporate law as registered with Companies House.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora
3. YouTube API
4. [Source](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07180318)