| Embedded Linux tsunami hits Tokyo! |
Rick Lehrbaum (July 14, 2000)
An embedded Linux tsunami washed ashore yesterday in Tokyo. A handful of the world's largest electronics manufacturers, including Fujitsu, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, NEC, and Toshiba, added their weight to the launch of a vendor-neutral Japanese embedded Linux organization. The goal is to promote use of the Linux operating system within a broad spectrum of next-generation intelligent devices. The move adds momentum to the industry trend away from dependence on sole-sourced proprietary operating systems such as those of software titan Microsoft and embedded market leader Wind River.
The Tokyo announcement echoes that of the international Embedded Linux Consortium (ELC) in Chicago, earlier this year. Having several members in common, and borrowing heavily from the language of the ELC's launch announcement, the EMBLIX launch press release evidences a nearly identical mission. Compare . . .Chicago: "Industry leaders launch Embedded Linux Consortium"
Responding to the rising tide of interest in using Linux operating system in embedded applications, representatives from dozens of technology firms today announced formation of the Embedded Linux, or ELC, a vendor-neutral trade association dedicated to the advancement of Linux-based solutions in embedded applications.
Tokyo: "Industry Leaders Launch Embedded Linux Consortium in Japan"
Responding to widespread interest in the Linux operating system for embedded systems, representatives from twenty-four (24) leading companies in Japan . . . announced the formation of EMBLIX, the Japan Embedded Linux Consortium, a vendor-neutral trade association dedicated to the promotion and advancement of Linux-based solutions in embedded applications." Groundswell of Embedded Linux Support
The Tokyo announcement adds substantial impact to the already meteoric growth of the original Embedded Linux Consortium which, in just 120 days, has garnered support from nearly a hundred key embedded market players, including the likes of IBM, Motorola, and Red Hat.
The growth of embedded Linux consortium membership mirrors the unheralded proliferation of Linux itself, which has rapidly catapulted from "cool idea" to "disruptive technology" -- largely without the benefit of massive corporate investments.
Judging by the rate companies are joining embedded Linux consortia, Linux has clearly attained a momentum capable of sweeping the world's giant manufacturers along in its direction.
Think of it as the third wave of Linux:- First, the grass roots developer movement. Through nearly a decade of free and open sharing of Linux source code via the Internet, it was suddenly "discovered" that a huge number of the world's servers were now running Linux.
- Next, of course, was the past year's stock market roller coaster ride. Linux arrived in world consciousness -- as a potential challenger to the seemingly impenetrable software market dominance of Microsoft.
- Now, the embedded market. Quietly and without much fanfare, Linux has been chosen for use in thousands of the development projects that are creating tomorrow's smart devices. This market, incidentally, is the destination of more than 95% of the world's annual output of some 2 billion microprocessor chips.
If the current trend is any indication, it should come as no surprise to learn, 1-2 years from now, that Linux has quietly become the dominant operating system embedded within the largely silent and unseen world of smart devices and intelligent systems that surround and support our everyday lives.
Related stories:
Industry Leaders Launch Embedded Linux Consortium in Japan
Japanese companies form their own embedded Linux consortium?
Embedded Linux Consortium announces 1st board of directors
Industry leaders launch Embedded Linux Consortium
Do you have questions or comments no this article? talkback here
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
Got a HOT tip?
please tell us!
Click here for a profile of each sponsor:
|
Check out the latest Linux powered...
|
 |
|
|
|
Also visit our sister site:
Sign up for LinuxDevices.com's...
news feed
|
|
