Michael Larabel is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and technology analyst. Michael is the founder of Phoronix Media, an Internet media company that has become the leader in providing original Linux hardware content and graphics driver information through its many web properties. Its leading web property, Phoronix.com, attracts more than 250 million hits annually and is frequently cited as being the leading source for those interested in computer hardware and Linux. Phoronix is ranked as one of the top 5,000 web-sites in the world by Netcraft, a top 5,000 blog by Technorati Inc, and has received countless other accolades.
Launched in 2008, Michael Larabel is also the lead developer of the Phoronix Test Suite. This award-winning benchmarking and performance profiling software is used in validating hardware, tracking performance regressions, and monitoring hardware performance under Linux, BSD, Mac OS X, and OpenSolaris platforms. The Phoronix Test Suite is developed in conjunction with leading computer hardware vendors and is used globally by many public organizations, governments, educational institutions, independent software vendors, independent hardware vendors, and Fortune 500 companies. Developed as part of the Phoronix Test Suite, Michael also spearheaded the designs of Phoromatic, PTS Linux Live, pts_Graph, Phodevi, and other sub-projects.
Michael is the director of software development and a managing partner for Blue Heron Network LLC, a US company specializing in assistive technologies for the elderly and those with diminished cognitive abilities. Blue Heron Network's premiere product group is Reside@HOME. Reside@HOME is a Linux-based touchscreen-enabled communication device that allows families to stay in contact with their aging loved ones and to assist them in remaining independent for as long as possible.
Additionally, Michael has contributed to, been featured in, and quoted by several technology publications and media outlets. Among the many publications are Linux+DVD magazine, Fedora Weekly News, CNET Networks, TechTarget, Chip Design Magazine, TechNewsWorld, InformationWeek, Linux Devices, Linux Planet, Linux.com, PC Plus, and Engadget. His work is often cited in press releases, annual reports, corporate web-sites, and other marketing material. Michael has authored more than 300 featured articles on the state of Linux graphics drivers and more than 1,500 articles on various aspects of the Linux hardware ecosystem.
In the past, Michael has developed software for companies dealing with content management systems, Linux administration, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) applications, and data management. Through all of his work he is a Linux and free software advocate with strong support for GNOME, PHP, X.Org, Fedora, OpenSolaris, and Ubuntu. Michael Larabel resides in the United States and enjoys international traveling, kayaking, and golfing.
Michael Larabel can be contacted at michael [at] michaellarabel.com. Professional inquiries can also be addressed through Phoronix Media. Michael is available for limited interview requests, expertise requests, and new venture opportunities.