IDF: Intel Project Aims to Boost Power Efficiency in Linux

Intel Corp. plans to announce an open-source project called LessWatts.org, which aims to improve the power efficiency of the Linux operating system and applications.

The initiative is expected to be unveiled on Thursday by Renee James, corporate vice president of Intel's Software and Solutions Group, at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco.

LessWatts.org has several components, including enhancements to the Linux kernel that improve power efficiency, Intel said. The project will also include PowerTOP, a tool that helps improve the power efficiency of Linux applications, and the Linux Battery Life Toolkit, which can measure the impact code changes have on power consumption, it said.

Intel will also provide Linux support for the power-saving features it is building into its line of products.

LessWatts.org is aimed at a range of Linux uses, from corporate data centers at the high end to small, handheld devices for consumers. Intel hopes the initiative will attract software developers, Linux vendors, and end users.

Oracle Corp., Red Hat Inc. and Novell Inc. are expected to announce their support for the open-source initiative.