A developer's review of leading Embedded Linux toolkits
In this LinuxDevices.com special feature, software developer Jerry Epplin examines the most prominent Embedded Linux toolkits. In order to gain insight into the use of each toolkit from the developer's perspective, Epplin builds Embedded Linux OS images for several single board computers using each toolkit. Each toolkit is then evaluated against a common set of criteria which include ease of use, overall toolkit architecture, methods of package management, diversity of platform support, and openness of the source code. In the first installment, Epplin takes a close-up look at Lineo's Embedix SDK 2.0.
Series introduction
A developer's review of Lineo's Embedix SDK
Lineo downsizes 60%, refocuses on core business
Lineo announced a major restructuring that includes a substantial reduction in work force, plus a plan to spin-out several peripheral technology projects and divisions. When the dust settles, the company expects to have 110 employees, which represents a 60% reduction from its current staffing levels.
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Red Hat chooses RTLinux for real-time Linux technology
Red Hat has selected RTLinux as its primary source of real-time Linux technology. According to FSMLabs' CEO Victor Yodaiken, the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding that covers cross-promotion, resale, and joint development.
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Guest editorial: Preemptible Linux -- a reality check
This guest editorial, by MontaVista Software's VP of Engineering, makes the case for obtaining hard real-time performance from Linux through a kernel preemptibility enhancement, rather than by using the approach of adding a second kernel such as RTLinux or RTAI.
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Embedded Linux powers new set-top Internet Appliance
Yet another set-top box manufacturer announced a device with Linux as its embedded operating system. This one uses National's Geode "set-top box on a chip". Embedded Linux certainly seems to be on a roll in the set-top box space!
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VDC predicts strong continued growth for embedded market
Despite the current slow economy, the future looks bright for the embedded systems industry according to recent research by market analyst VDC into the top consuming markets for embedded operating systems, development tools, and other software components. VDC says a confluence of changing technology, government regulations, and industry standards are combining to drive the continued market growth.
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Fujitsu miniature humanoid robot runs RTLinux
Weighing 6 kg and standing 48 cm tall, the light and compact HOAP-1 and accompanying simulation software can be used for developing motion control algorithms in such areas as two-legged walking, as well as in research on human-to-robot communication interfaces.
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Discontinued Philips webphones offered as project platforms
The TuxScreen is a discontinued StrongARM-based color touchscreen webphone product, once manufactured by Philips as the IS2630 WebPhone. Originally sold for $650 retail, the devices are being offered "as is" to experimenters and developers for just $99. A port of Linux is partially implemented.
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Startup offers small footprint main memory database for devices
A new company, McObject LLC, is creating data management technology to meet the unique needs of applications running within intelligent, connected devices. An early release of eXtremeDB 1.0 is available for developer download.
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Other news items & announcements of interest . . .
Tiny networked StrongARM SBC runs Embedded Linux
Bluetooth stack subset squeezes into less than 4K bytes
Linux4.TV reports on launch and future plans
Opera browser goes for WAP 2.0
Intel IXP1200 network processors gain Embedded Linux IDE
Call for papers: linux.conf.au 2002
Bucking the trend, OnCore opens new office, staffs up
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