Since then, companies like Red Hat have businesses around Linux, and key users abound, such as Google and air traffic control and global equity trading systems, Zemlin said. "You use [Linux] literally every time you surf the Internet." Meanwhile, participation in development of the platform is widespread. "Today, the Linux kernel community numbers in the thousands."

For 2011, Zemlin anticipates more innovative business models based on open source; pre-integrated, minimal-configuration computing powered by Linux; and an expansion of specialized, high-performance computing in the vein of IBM's which uses Linux. In the mobile space, much is still to be decided given the still-evolving marketplace, according to Zemlin. "My main point here is the fat lady hasn't sung yet," he said, noting that there is still "no declared winner" and opportunities abound for compelling products based on Linux.

He also advised against believing the "fear, uncertainty, and doubt' around copyright and patent issues. "I assure you, most of this really not relevant." People will comply with licenses, and the fear seems to emanate from Linux competitors, Zemlin contended.

During a panel session covering the Linux kernel, kernel maintainer Andrew Morton, commenting on where Linux might be in 20 years, said he suspected "it'll still be going strong." But there was a chance some new technology could come along and make Linux obsolete, while still emulating the x86 architecture, he said. "I doubt within 20 years' time the kernel's going to be much smaller or simpler or easier to understand."

Zemlin and officials from several companies, including Texas Instruments and Wind River, touted the foundation's Yocto Project. "[Yocto] is a set of common tools that will help companies, particularly in the embedded space, make custom products" and enable rich innovation, Zemlin said. Yocto Project Release 1.0 was made available on Wednesday.