ACCESS, the Japanese company that has developed the ACCESS Linux Platform and owner of the former PalmSource, has signed a “memorandum of understanding” with NTT DoCoMo, Inc., NEC Corp., Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd., and ESTEEMO Co., Ltd. under which the companies will study the use of ACCESS Linux Platform as the basis for developing a shared Linux platform for mobile phones and an operator pack for NTT DoCoMo.

While it doesn’t sound like an outright deal to deploy ALP based devices, at least its a step towards getting the Linux based OS closer to some actual shipping hardware.

In a statement explaining the deal ACCESS says they will make use of MOAP(L) (Mobile Oriented Application Platform based on Linux) which is the FOMA mobile platform used by NTT DoCoMo, and will lead the development of a shared software platform that also conforms to specifications of the LiMo Foundation, an independent, non-profit foundation established with the aim of promoting the use of Linux by the mobile industry. The five companies have also agreed to consider development of an operator pack for NTT DoCoMo based on the shared platform. ACCESS intends to begin marketing the commercial products resulting from these efforts during fiscal 2009.

“In January this year, NTT DoCoMo established the LiMo Foundation, together with key companies worldwide,” said Kiyohito Nagata, senior vice president, managing director of Product Department, Products & Services, NTT DoCoMo. “The conclusion of this memorandum will substantially expedite the development of a shared platform based on LiMo Foundation specifications, as well as promote consideration of an operator pack by the five participating companies. In this way, the memorandum will contribute to the dissemination and growth of the Linux platform and the creation of an associated ecosystem. We expect it to enable the development of products that are even more attractive to NTT DoCoMo.”