HP has announced that it will contribute its Tru64 Unix Advanced File System (AdvFS) code to the open source community in an attempt to boost customer adoption of Linux.

The vendor will make the code available as a reference implementation of an enterprise Linux file system under the terms of the GPL 2 for compatibility with the Linux kernel.

HP has also promised to provide design documentation, test suites and engineering resources.

AdvFS has been around for more than 16 years and includes features that increase uptime, enhance security and help ensure maximum performance of Linux file systems.

HP hopes that key features, such as simplified file and storage management, online system back-ups and increased data availability, will accelerate the development of future platforms designed to strengthen Linux for enterprise customers.

"To ensure the highest levels of data security and availability, Linux customers need full and immediate access to established technology," said Martin Fink, senior vice president and general manager of business-critical systems at HP.

"We continue to invest our engineering resources in the development of that technology, while working with the open source community to ensure accessibility and seamless integration."

Demand from business is driving the Linux kernel development community to focus on the advancement of file system functionality, according to HP.

Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation, said: "HP's contribution of the Advanced File System code, coupled with its overall resource commitment to Linux, will greatly accelerate the development and commercial availability of improved system functionality for Linux.

"The technology and engineering resources being made available for next-generation file system projects are proof that HP is a true open source community leader."

HP currently holds the top spot in the Linux server market based on unit shipments with 36.4 per cent of market share worldwide, according to analyst firm IDC.