Hewlett-Packard plans to make its Tru64 Unix Advanced File System available to the open source community.

The tech giant said today that Linux can adopt AdvFS source code under version two of the open source General Public License (GPL).

The file system was first developed in 1991 for business customers using Digital Equipment Corp. Alpha Unix machines.

HP said it had chosen version two of the GPL because of its compatibility with the Linux kernel. It also claimed the code will boost the uptime and performance of Linux file systems.

AdvFS is used in file and storage management, enables online system backups and increases data availability, said the company.

Linux Foundation exec director Jim Zemlin said: “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 isn't quite so cuddly with its rivals in the increasingly mudslinging tough PC hardware environment, however.

Earlier this month it settled a patent row with Acer in a secret deal. It had sued the Taiwan-based computer maker for allegedly infringing five US patents related to processor tweaks, power-consumption technology and DVD editing tools.

In related news, the Linux Foundation also chucked out a statement today in which it urged tech vendors to "adopt a policy of supporting their customers on Linux with open-source kernel code" and banged the familiar cost-saving benefits drum. ®