Digital Cornerstone
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Linux and open source software |
| Predecessor | Lindows, Inc. (2001–2004), Linspire, Inc. (2004–2008) |
| Founded | August 2001 |
| Founder | Michael Robertson |
| Fate | Acquired by Xandros, Inc. in 2008 |
| Headquarters | San Diego , United States |
Area served | Desktop computing |
Key people | Michael Robertson (founder, former CEO and chairman), Kevin Carmony (former CEO), Larry Kettler (former CEO) |
| Products | Linspire Linux distribution, CNR service |
| Parent | Xandros, Inc. (since 2008) |
Digital Cornerstone—previously known as Lindows, Inc. (2001–2004) and later as Linspire, Inc. (2004–2008)—was a Linux and open source software enterprise headquartered in San Diego, California. The company specialized in desktop computing and was best recognized for its primary Linux distribution, Linspire. In 2008, it was purchased by rival firm Xandros, Inc., becoming a semi-autonomous subsidiary.
As Lindows
Established in August 2001 by Michael Robertson, Lindows, Inc. set out to create a Linux-based operating system that could run key Microsoft Windows applications through the use of the Wine compatibility layer. The company eventually redirected its efforts toward streamlining the installation and management of Linux applications, introducing "CNR," a service built on Debian's Advanced Packaging Tool that provided a graphical front end and a customized package repository accessible via an annual subscription. The initial public version of Linspire, labeled 1.0, was launched in late 2001.
Relationship with Microsoft
In 2002, Microsoft initiated legal action against Lindows, Inc., claiming that the "Lindows" trademark violated Microsoft's "Windows" rights. The court dismissed Microsoft's suit, highlighting the longstanding generic use of the term "windows" in graphical user interfaces by companies such as Xerox and Apple Computer. Following a delayed retrial scheduled for 2004, Microsoft agreed to settle for an estimated $20 million; as part of the agreement, Lindows transferred its trademark to Microsoft and rebranded itself as Linspire, Inc.
On June 13, 2007, Linspire and Microsoft revealed a partnership aimed at enhancing interoperability through improvements in document compatibility, instant messaging services, digital media integration, web search capabilities, and patent peace agreements benefiting Linspire users. This collaboration was met with criticism for its limited scope and brevity, which some argued conflicted with the ethos of the GNU General Public License. Linspire's CEO Kevin Carmony asserted that the deal would "expand options for desktop Linux users" and deliver a "superior" Linux experience.
Under Carmony
Michael Robertson resigned from his role as CEO of Linspire, Inc. on June 15, 2005, while retaining his position as Chairman; Kevin Carmony was appointed to succeed him as CEO.
On February 8, 2007, Linspire announced a strategic technology alliance with Canonical Ltd., intending to base their desktop Linux products on Ubuntu.
Linspire launched version 6.0 of its operating system on July 10, 2007, which was derived from Freespire 2.0.
Kevin Carmony stepped down as CEO on July 31, 2007, with Larry Kettler taking over the position.
Acquisition
On July 1, 2008, a minority group of Linspire shareholders approved changing the company name to Digital Cornerstone; subsequently, all company assets were acquired by Xandros.