Business
China releases first open-source computer operating system to cut reliance on US tech
China has released its first homegrown open-source desktop operating system, named OpenKylin, state media said, as the country steps up efforts to cut reliance on US technology.
Released on Wednesday, and based on the existing open-source Linux operating system, China’s version was built by a community of about 4,000 developers, and is used in its space program and industries such as finance and energy, they added.
For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
China’s massive market for operating systems was worth 15.5 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) last year, state media said, citing an industry report.
Developing an operating system independent of US technology has been an important goal for China’s tech industry in recent years, with many companies and organizations having contributed to the development of the OpenKylin system.
It most notable backer is the China Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team under the purview of the industry and information technology ministry.
More than a dozen Chinese companies are trying to develop operating systems that could replace Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s MacOS operating systems.
One such company, UnionTech Software Technology Co Ltd, has been developing what it calls the “Unity operating system.”
Read more:
China’s latest chip material export curbs to affect tech ties with US
US set to restrict China’s access to cloud computing: Report