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Embedded Linux: The Feeding Frenzy
Jul. 17, 2000

Steven J. Vaughan Nichols, writing at Sm@rt Partner, takes a look at the growing trend of using Linux as the operating system embedded within Information Appliances. Nichols surveys the main embedded OS alternatives (including those from Microsoft, Wind River, and Embedded Linux vendors), explains why Embedded Linux is gaining momentum, and gives some advice on how to select an Embedded Linux software partner. Nichols writes . . .

"Tired of the Wintel desktop hegemony? Maybe it's time for you to branch out into the network appliance market, where embedded Linux is finding its way into scores of new products, and major players are busy gobbling up one another. Historically, embedded systems were niche offerings that targeted manufacturing systems, communications systems and other special-purpose hardware . . ."

"Today, however, embedded systems are moving into the mainstream as part of the appliance and mobile device rebellion. By 2002, there will be more than 55 million handheld and notebook-style information appliances, predicts International Data Corp. . . All of these appliances require embedded OSes."

Of course, an operating system is useless without widespread developer support. Here, Linux stands to benefit because hundreds of thousands of programmers are familiar with C, C++, Python or PERL on Unix or Linux. These gurus can start writing embedded Linux code today."

"Another plus for Linux is its flexibility. Applications written for one platform (say, a Pentium III with 64MB of RAM), can be easily transported to an embedded chip with 8MB of RAM. The same doesn't hold true for Microsoft's embedded alternatives, Windows CE and NT Embedded . . ."

" . . . our research suggests that Linux is a heavy favorite to win the embedded operating system wars . . . The challenge for you is to choose your development and implementation partners wisely . . . The name of the game with any embedded operating system is to make the most out of the least."

". . . Before placing your embedded bet, you need to decide exactly what it is that you want to accomplish and find a partner that can meet your needs."

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FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

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.

 


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