The Linux Standard Base, also called the LSB project, is an ongoing effort to standardize the structure of Linuxand related operating systems. The intent is to increase compatibility among systems that use different versions (also known as distributions or flavors) of Unix and to make them more compatible with non-Unix systems as well.
Historically, differences between various flavors of Unix have caused problems in systems or networks where more than one flavor was found. According to proponents, standardization would enlarge the potential customer base, increase customer satisfaction and decrease the cost of overcoming incompatibility issues.
The LSB project is guided by The Free Standards Group, a non-profit organization that promotes the development of open source standards for programs and operating platforms.