Open-source stalwart leaves HP

Open-source advocate Bruce Perens has left Hewlett-Packard, after spending two years at the computer giant.

Perens announced his departure on his Web site. He did not state on the site why he was leaving or what his future plans were. Neither Perens nor HP executives could immediately be reached for comment.

HP hired Perens in December 2000, saying he would help give the company a deeper understanding of the Linux operating system and other open-source software.

Perens, a Linux developer, co-founded the Open Source Initiative, founded the group Software in the Public Interest and helped develop the Debian version of Linux.

Perens' departure wasn't unexpected. According to published reports, the developer had hinted about leaving HP last month. The New York Times reported Monday that Perens left the company 10 days ago.

He has worked with HP to broaden its Linux and open-source efforts, but has also occasionally come into conflict with the company. Perens had planned to show attendees at a midsummer open-source convention how to circumvent controls on DVD players, but backed off under pressure from HP.

News.com's Stephen Shankland contributed to this report.