There are many Linux users out there and despite that, Linux desktops have failed to break into the mainstream when compared to Microsoft’s Windows. One of the main reasons behind it, as described by Linus Torvalds, is “the fragmentation of different [Linux] vendors.” There are multiple Linux vendors, unlike the Windows ecosystem, which creates a lack of a unified approach.

However, now two of the most popular Linux desktop competitors – GNOME Foundation and KDE – are coming together to work on a Linux desktop. Both open-source biggies are set to sponsor the Linux App Summit (LAS) 2019 which is scheduled for November 12th and 15th, 2019.

Today we announce our joint collaboration with @kdecommunity on @LinuxAppSummit and building an application ecosystem. See – https://t.co/gCKC3hDQb2 – Join us in Barcelona Nov 12-14th, 15th a BoF day!#LinuxApps pic.twitter.com/vcivE41VAF — GNOME (@gnome) July 31, 2019

This isn’t the first time the two rival companies are sharing a stage. It has been a decade since the organizations started working together. However, nothing fruitful has been achieved as of now.

The statements issued by GNOME and KDE ahead of the event indicate that this time, we could see some concrete decisions regarding the future of Linux operating systems. By working together, they want to bring a unified approach to the Linux community and look past the variety of distros. The aim is to come up with a unified application system that is scalable.

Neil McGovern, GNOME’s executive director, said: “LAS represents one of many steps towards a thriving desktop ecosystem. By partnering with KDE we show the desire to build the kind of application ecosystem that demonstrates that Open Source and Free Software are important; the technology and organization we build to achieve this is valuable and necessary.”

Aleix Pol Gonzalez, KDE eV Vice President has also lauded the collaboration and hopes that it will solidify the Linux community by offering them a platform upon which the next generation of solutions can be based.

We hope that LAS 2019 brings some good news for Linux community as well as for other users who have always been interested in Linux desktops. But the lack of a unified approach has prevented them from jumping the ship.