| Embedded Linux flexes its muscles at ESC 2001 (Part 1) |
Rick Lehrbaum (Apr. 19, 2001)
In my writings about past Embedded Systems Conferences, I've characterized the impact of Linux on the embedded market as a "disruptive technology" that was rewriting the rules of the game. Not any more -- the disruption now appears to be complete! Linux is now a full-fledged, mainstream participant in the embedded market, judging by the software, hardware, and tools exhibited at this year's annual embedded technology mega-show.
Not that this was a big surprise, for a recently released subscriber survey conducted by Embedded Systems Programming magazine already exposed embedded Linux as the #2 embedded OS in terms of "consideration" for new designs, and #4 in terms of actual usage. The clear impression I got from this ESC is that Linux has now attained the status of being among the top three embedded operating systems -- which is right where it needs to be at this point in time.
Just to be absolutely clear about what I'm saying, in my opinion the "big three" embedded OSes are, at the moment: (1) VxWorks, (2) Embedded Linux, (3) Embedded Windows -- or (1) VxWorks, (2) Embedded Windows, (3) Embedded Linux -- depending on how you count. These days, I doubt if you can find an embedded software or hardware vendor that doesn't attribute "must-support" status to Linux, or a developer who doesn't feel compelled to investigate Linux as an embedded OS option in the course of a new product development cycle.
So Linux has, it seems fair to say, traversed a path all the way from "what's Linux?" to "disruptive technology" to "established leader" -- in the short span of about 18 months. Put simply: Embedded Linux has arrived! Quite an accomplishment, for such a brief period of time.
In fact, last week's ESC Official Show Guide had, for the first time, an entire product category devoted specifically to "Embedded Linux" (there isn't one for Embedded Windows or VxWorks, by the way). That category included the following 40 companies who weren't, by any means, all the companies at ESC that showed or promoted Embedded Linux oriented products: Accelent Systems, ACCESS, ACT/Technico, Advantech, AMD, ANT, Applied Data Systems, Arcom Controls, Baton Rouge International, Berkeley Design Technology, Cirrus Logic, Datum, EDS Applied Engineering Solutions, the ELC's "Pavilion 101", Force Computers, GDA Technologies, General Micro Systems, Grammer Engine, INDesign, Intel, Intelligraphics, Intrynsic Software, Lineo, LynuxWorks, MontaVista Software, Motorola Computer Group, NEC Electronics, NetSilicon, NewMonics, OnCore Systems, OpenSystems Publishing, Paragon Innovations, Red Hat, Sci-worx, Sophia Systems, TQ-Components, V3 Semiconductor, ZF Micro Devices, Zilog, and Znyx Networks. And that doesn't include the companies which exhibited in the ELC's "Pavilion 101" -- RidgeRun, Tuxia, Forth Systeme, Embedded Linux Journal, Trolltech, PalmPalm, and WiPro -- who were not allowed to have their own company listings in the show guide.
So that's the good news. The bad news, on the other hand, is that it's no longer feasible for me to cover "all things Linux" in my customary review of Linux at the Embedded Systems Conference. Therefore, I have endeavored to provide a representative cross section of what I found. My sincere apologies, in advance, to all those companies and products which have not been included!
The ELC at ESC
The Embedded Linux Consortium (ELC) created quite a stir with its proposal for a unified Embedded Linux Platform specification. The annual ELC membership meeting was attended by 75 members of the Embedded Linux Community, and featured a keynote talk (by yours truly) on The State of Embedded Linux and a report on finances, membership, and other administrative details. Of note, membership in the ELC -- which was formed roughly one year ago -- has now reached 125.
The ELC's Embedded Linux Superbooth called "Pavilion 101," which was the most popular destination at the show for developers wanting to learn more about Embedded Linux.
Above: The ELC's "Pavilion 101" booth occupied nearly half of one aisle
--- Continued ---
Story navigation . . .
(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.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed