"We are putting a priority on ISVs (independent software vendors) in Singapore to support the adoption of Linux," said Leigh Warren, Oracle's vice president for its newly-created Linux business unit in Asia-Pacific.
The lack of third-party applications has long been fingered as one of the key stumbling blocks towards wider adoption of the Linux operating system. Although Oracle has formed alliances with major Linux vendors like Red Hat, Novell and Red Flag in China, greater backing from ISVs and developers is needed to help address the issue, he added.
In the United States, the company has unveiled a partnership initiative for ISVs as part of its "unbreakable Linux" campaign. Under the program, Oracle provides allies with technology and manpower assistance, marketing support, as well as sales incentives to entice them to tailor their applications for the Linux OS.
While Warren declined to provide specifics, he hinted a similar scheme could be introduced in Singapore within the next three weeks.
He added the republic has also been earmarked by Oracle as one of its two hubs for open-source applications in Asia-Pacific, the other being China.
Oracle's latest move stands in contrast to the sluggish progress of Linux in Singapore. Unlike countries like China, Japan, South Korea and Thailand where local governments have thrown their weight behind major Linux projects, Singaporean authorities have been passive on the open-source issue. To date, no government-backed Linux programs have been announced here.
"We think it (Singapore) is an important market and we are working with the government right now in discussing some of these initiatives," said Warren. "We do think there is an opportunity for Linux here."
In addition, local authorities could be swayed to consider the commercial potential of Linux due to rising interest among neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, added David Foster, regional solutions manager for Oracle South Asia.
"Everything in Singapore is so dependent on the region. Internationalizing the ability to deliver software is one of the things Singapore really needs to focus on," he told CNETAsia.
"If local ISVs enter foreign markets and enjoy strong growth in countries like Indonesia or China, then the export growth could be a factor in the government's consideration," Warren said.
Oracle, which takes the lion's share in Linux database sales, has 14 developers who work on the kernel, or core, of Linux. In Asia, the firm is helping to develop a regional Linux distribution called Asianux with Red Flag and Japan's Miracle Linux.
