The contracting officer just approved this, so I can talk about it here now.

Last year I was involved with the UMLWIN32 project, which is attempting to make the Linux kernel run on Windows as an application process. This allows Linux virtual machines to run on a typical unmodified PC alongside other Windows apps. It's a nice migration path from Windows to Linux. We got to the point where we could boot up a simple environment and run some basic programs. Shared libraries and networking worked. Unfortunately, the project stopped when the developers ran out of free time.

Now the Japanese government has stepped in and offered to fund the development of UMLWIN32. While I can't participate this time around, it's a cool opportunity to help bridge the gap between Windows and Linux for first-time Linux users. Hopefully the Japanese deployments will iron out any problems, and commercial Linux vendors will be able to provide "migration kits" to help all users migrate from Windows to Linux with a minimum of pain.

There should be an official announcement of the government support of UMLWIN32 RSN, but bureaucracy always moves sooooo sloooooowww...