Agenda Setters: Where are they now... Linus Torvalds

As we count down to silicon.com's sixth annual Agenda Setters poll of tech's 50 most influential individuals, it is time to look back at those individuals who held top 10 positions in 2004. Today we catch up with the 'father of Linux' Linus Torvalds.

Given that Linus Torvalds is among the few individuals to appear on every Agenda Setters list since the project's inception in 2000, it seems a good bet he'll make it again in 2005.

The 'father of Linux' still comes out punching on issues he cares about, such as software patents, which he's gone to great lengths to oppose in Europe.

The man who created the Linux operating system, a cornerstone of the open source software world, Torvalds is chosen for the list again and again for being a symbol of all non-proprietary software.

In 2004 he came in at number seven - tied with rival Bill Gates - but, proof of his popularity, was voted second only to Steve Jobs by readers.

The past year has been a prosperous one for Torvalds' creation, with Linux migrations continuing in the public sector, new uses of the OS for voice over IP installations appearing, and an increasing acceptance of Linux in the mainstream corporate IT world. Sure, Microsoft still has plenty of customers and many businesses are still cautious about becoming an all-Linux shop. But it's no longer the taboo subject it was in years past.

One aspect that may keep Torvalds from reaching the top of the list is the relatively low profile he keeps these days. He spends his days working on the Linux kernel at the Open Source Development Labs in Oregon, and has more or less avoided the media limelight over the past 12 months.

The 'father of Linux' still comes out punching on issues he cares about, such as software patents, which he's gone to great lengths to oppose in Europe, including writing a letter to the EU Council in charge of the issue. Torvalds also made some noises in Australia to defend the Linux trademark and made headlines for admitting he uses a Mac as his primary computer.

In the end, though, it's Torvalds' function as a figurehead for the open source world that he's recognised for. As open source's fortunes rise, so do Torvalds' - at least on the Agenda Setters list. And given its upward trajectory this year, we feel safe in putting our money on the Linux creator holding his own against the big-name CEOs and other tech luminaries yet again.

silicon.com's Agenda Setters panel, made up again of CIOs, analysts, VCs, consultants, lawyers, academics and other experts, convenes in September at our London offices with the results revealed at the end of the month. If you want to pass on your comments for our experts - about Linus Torvalds or any other contender - drop us an email at editorial@silicon.com.