LinuxDevices.com Embedded Linux Newsletter -- March 8, 2001


Welcome to the LinuxDevices.com
Embedded Linux Newsletter
March 8, 2001

by Rick Lehrbaum -- Executive Editor
ZDNet's LinuxDevices.com


*** FEATURE ARTICLES ***

Using GPL software in embedded applications -- this article by Jerry Epplin sheds some light on the issues associated with using GPL software in embedded applications, and attempts to dispel the "FUD" ("Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt") being propagated by some competitors to Linux. Epplin explains what is required to strictly comply with the GPL, defines and discusses the distinctions between static and dynamic drivers and modules, and points out a gray area that does exist relative to the Linux GPL copyright. story

Report from Bluetooth North America 2001 -- Robert La Quey attended the annual Bluetooth conference held recently in San Diego, CA and filed this report on the status of the Bluetooth market and some issues relative to Embedded Linux support for Bluetooth. story

Device profile: Ericsson's Bluetooth "blip" -- this LinuxDevices.com device profile previews Ericsson's "blip" -- a new uClinux-based gadget that brings localized wireless services to your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or PDA. Shopping and travel may soon be a lot more fun! story

Guest editorial: Microsoft's Ironic Valentine -- in this guest editorial at LinuxDevices.com, Red Hat chief technology officer Michael Tiemann responds to recent attacks by Microsoft on Open Source and Linux. story

*** OTHER NEWS ***

IBM launches "Peace, Love, Linux" promotion -- IBM has just begun an intriguing promotional campaign which features the rallying cry: "Peace, Love, Linux." You can view the first of this new series of major IBM Linux promotions, an online presentation. It's part of the $1B investment they claim to be making in Linux this year. story

Qt GUI framework gains anti-aliased fonts -- Keith Packard, who wrote the patch for the latest version of Xfree, eliminated one of the bigger complaints on Unix -- ugly fonts. Qt 2.3 is the first development tool to incorporate this functionality into an official release. story

New project aims to standardize Embedded Linux CLI -- a new SourceForge project has been started which aims to create the first standard specification for the command line interface (CLI) for Embedded Linux devices. story

High-availability firmware scheme uses SMM mode -- General Software has developed a way to dispatch selected software via system management mode (SMM) functions, in order to create an environment that is outside the realm of the operating system. This is useful for fail-safe and high-reliability purposes, or to manage simple, dedicated real-time tasks. The company claims to hold a patent on the technique. story

Official reference implementation for real-time Java spec -- the Java Community Process JSR-00001 Real-Time Java Expert Group has authorized TimeSys to develop the official reference implementation for the Real-Time Specification for Java (RTSJ). story

Update on Indrema's Linux-based TV set-top game console -- Indrema has provided an update on the development status of its Linux-based TV set-top gaming system, and has clarified the degree of compatibility that can be expected between games running on Indrema-Linux vs. desktop-Linux. story

Lineo resumes acquisition spree -- Lineo has bolstered its effort to push its version of Embedded Linux into set-top boxes and other nontraditional computing devices, through the acquisition of Convergence Integrated Media a 54-person German company that develops software for digital TV set-top boxes. story

Sharp announces Linux-based PDA -- Japanese manufacturing giant Sharp Electronics has announced plans to introduce a Linux-based PDA. story

Partnership supports SBC-based embedded Linux designs -- REDSonic and Ampro Computers have formed a strategic alliance will provide the embedded community with Embedded Linux based single-board computer hardware/software solutions. story

New development kit for StrongARM/Linux embedded designs -- Embedone has announced a new development board for designers of Linux and StrongARM based embedded systems. The EM-110 development board is based on an Intel StrongARM SA-110 CPU and boasts high performance, low power consumption, and low heat generation. story

Linux-based eKa SOHO gateway -- Kiwi-Classifieds Limited announced the introduction of the eKa SOHO Gateway, a compact Linux based gateway appliance product for Small Office Home Office (SOHO) environments. story

Free seminars on embedded technologies -- LynuxWorks, Trillium Digital Systems Inc., and Highlander are hosting a series of free seminars covering open standards, high availability platforms, CORBA, and communications software for next generation networks. story

uClinux powers "net-ready" signal processing module -- Maple Signal Processing announced a line of embedded signal processing cards. The first model is a compact (2.25 x 6 in.), low power board based on the Motorola DragonBallVZ microcontroller and high speed Texas Instruments TMS320C541xx Digital Signal Processor. story

*** LINKS OF THE WEEK ***

Linux Controller Area Network (CAN) driver -- this website is dedicated to a Linux CAN driver for the Intel 82527 and Philips sja1000 controllers. story

dietlibc -- a lightweight alternative to glibc -- dietlibc currently supports x86, SPARC, PPC, Alpha, MIPS, and ARM processors and is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL). story

*** FREQUENTLY UPDATED QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES ***

*** THE 2001 EMBEDDED LINUX MARKET SURVEY ***

As part of our continuing efforts to support the rapidly growing Embedded Linux Market, we are pleased to announce the online 2001 Embedded Linux Market Survey. The survey, which is structured in three parts, asks developers of Linux-based embedded systems and intelligent devices to anonymously provide information about their applications, their embedded Linux OS requirements and preferences, and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using Linux in embedded applications.

Note: Please participate in this new survey, even if you already did so in 2000. Thank you!

VOTE HERE!

*** VISIT THESE OTHER ZDNET LINUX RESOURCES ***

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