# United Linux

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q1530090](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1530090)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Linux)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/united-linux

## Summary
United Linux was a Linux distribution formed in 2000 as a collaboration between major technology companies, including IBM, Novell, and SuSE. It aimed to standardize Linux for enterprise use by integrating key components from different distributions. The project was notable for its industry backing but was later succeeded by other initiatives.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Linux distribution
- **Aliases**: LLC (likely referring to the legal structure)
- **Freebase ID**: /m/018jwq (from Wikidata, referenced in 2013)
- **Wikipedia presence**: Available in 9 languages (ar, cs, de, en, ja, no, pt, ru, zh)
- **Wikidata description**: "Linux distribution"
- **Sitelink count**: 9 (Wikipedia links to other language editions)

## FAQs
### Q: What was United Linux, and who was behind it?
A: United Linux was a Linux distribution launched in 2000 by a consortium of major companies, including IBM, Novell, and SuSE. It aimed to standardize Linux for enterprise use by integrating components from different distributions.

### Q: Why was United Linux created?
A: United Linux was created to address fragmentation in the Linux ecosystem by providing a standardized, enterprise-ready Linux distribution supported by major industry players.

### Q: How long did United Linux exist?
A: United Linux was active from 2000 until its dissolution in 2003, when it was succeeded by other initiatives like the Linux Standard Base.

### Q: What was the relationship between United Linux and other Linux distributions?
A: United Linux was a meta-distribution that combined components from existing distributions like SuSE, Red Hat, and Debian, rather than a standalone distribution itself.

### Q: What happened to United Linux after its launch?
A: United Linux was dissolved in 2003, and its efforts were largely absorbed into the Linux Standard Base (LSB), a standardization project for Linux compatibility.

## Why It Matters
United Linux was significant as one of the first major industry-backed attempts to standardize Linux for enterprise use. Formed in 2000 by a consortium of companies including IBM, Novell, and SuSE, it aimed to address the fragmentation of the Linux ecosystem by integrating key components from different distributions. The project sought to provide a unified, enterprise-ready Linux solution, but it faced challenges and was dissolved in 2003, with its efforts later absorbed into the Linux Standard Base (LSB). While United Linux did not achieve long-term success, it played a role in shaping the broader Linux industry by promoting collaboration and standardization among major players.

## Notable For
- **Industry collaboration**: United Linux was the first major Linux distribution backed by a consortium of major technology companies.
- **Enterprise focus**: It aimed to provide a standardized Linux solution for businesses, addressing the need for compatibility and support.
- **Predecessor to LSB**: United Linux's efforts influenced the later Linux Standard Base (LSB), a key standardization project for Linux compatibility.
- **Short-lived but influential**: Despite its dissolution in 2003, United Linux set a precedent for industry collaboration in the Linux ecosystem.

## Body
### Origins and Formation
United Linux was formed in 2000 by a consortium of major technology companies, including IBM, Novell, and SuSE. The project aimed to address the fragmentation of the Linux ecosystem by providing a standardized, enterprise-ready Linux distribution.

### Goals and Approach
United Linux sought to integrate key components from different Linux distributions, such as SuSE, Red Hat, and Debian, to create a unified platform. It focused on enterprise adoption, offering compatibility and support for businesses.

### Dissolution and Legacy
United Linux was dissolved in 2003, with its efforts largely absorbed into the Linux Standard Base (LSB), a standardization project for Linux compatibility. While United Linux did not achieve long-term success, it played a role in shaping the broader Linux industry by promoting collaboration and standardization among major players.

### Wikipedia and Wikidata
United Linux has a Wikipedia page available in nine languages, reflecting its industry relevance. Its Wikidata entry includes references to its Freebase ID and classification as a Linux distribution.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013