The Portland, OR-based Open Source Development Labs (OSDL), current home of Linux creator Linus Torvalds,  has announced the the opening of a European office in Luxembourg, and the appointment of Claude Beullens as director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Beullens brings nearly 30 years of experience in enterprise computing, sales and marketing to lead OSDL’s efforts and initiatives throughout the region.

 
Linus Torvalds

Government interest, economic opportunity and the location of leading open source projects make Europe a "strategic priority" for OSDL and its members, the consortium stated. "OSDL's new presence in Europe is the latest demonstration that Linux and open source technologies are vibrant and maturing around the world," said Beullens. ''I look forward to collaborating with the development community, business and government to support Linux and advance innovation and economic growth around Linux and open source software.''

Government interest, economic opportunity and the location of leading open source projects makes Europe a strategic priority for OSDL and its members. OSDL will work locally in Europe to support community and industry development of Linux, to accelerate deployments of Linux for business and government and to increase confidence in the use of Linux and open source software. Beullens will be centrally based in Luxembourg.

''There is a philosophical foundation in place throughout Europe that drives the adoption of Linux and open source technologies to achieve social and economic advancement,'' said Stuart Cohen, CEO, Open Source Development Labs. ''OSDL can contribute to this environment by providing resources that will accelerate Linux deployments for local governments, local and international businesses and with European entrepreneurs. Claude’s extensive experience and leadership in the European software industry will significantly enhance this contribution.''

Beullens comes to OSDL after serving in product, engineering and sales and marketing management positions at AMC, Apollo Computer, Hewlett Packard and MC2. He is fluent in English, French, German, Dutch, and Luxembourgish.