| Editors' retrospective -- Linux Devices in 2007 |
Dec. 31, 2007
 As 2007 winds to a close, the editors of LinuxDevices.com have assembled a retrospective aimed at highlighting major trends and events in the world of embedded Linux. Of the approximately 1,200 stories we published this year, these were the most important, in our opinion.
(Click for larger view of `cal 2007`)
For embedded Linux, 2007 was shaped by a handful of mega-trends. We've identified the following trends to be among the year's most visible, if not important:- Mobile Internet tablets took off, fueled by Nokia's N800 and N810 models, as well as Intel's Mobile Internet Device (MID) project. The Gnome project launched a mobile and embedded initiative, Ubuntu launched a device version of its Linux distribution, and processor vendor ARM even got in on the action, hiring Movial to port lots of desktop Linux applications to its processors, with an eye on the Internet tablet market.
- The mobile browser wars began in earnest, with commercial vendors like Opera, Access, and OpenWave taking a backseat to open source browser projects. The Mozilla Foundation launched a mobile strategy and later revealed specifics. A startup called Pleyo launched a dual-licensed Origyn browser based on Webkit. Device software and tools specialist Trolltech also began integrating Webkit with Qt, and even appointed a browser author as VP of engineering.
- As the "post-PC" world shifts attention from desktops and laptops to new form factors such as mobile Internet tablets, x86 processor vendors took notice. Intel started using 45nm process technology in some mobile chips, and was rumored to be producing a Pentium M-based SoC. Via down-clocked its embedded Eden model to 500MHz for a 1-Watt ULV model. AMD added lots of parts to its embedded roadmap in 2007, and also managed to launch some parts with integrated graphics, following its acquisition of ATI.
- In 2007, handset vendor Motorola shipped its first Linux handset for the U.S. market. The MotoRizr E6 is based on a highly integrated chipset, and was later renamed MotoRokr Z6. Later in the year, Motorola launched the Razr2 V8, the first use of Linux in its "iconic" Razr line. Despite these design wins, Motorola struggles financially, and CEO Ed Zander eventually resigns (while retaining his board presidency).
- Linux continued to convince market analysts of its large potential as a mobile phone OS, partially in response to the formation in 2007 of two large industry groups aimed at promoting and standardizing mobile phone Linux. These included:
- LiMo, founded by Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics, and Vodafone, and led by an ex-Symbian VP
- Open Handset Alliance (OHA), founded by Google and dozens of large companies around Google's Linux- and Java-based Android stack, which we reviewed here from a developer's perspective.
- The GPLv3 shipped, with little apparent impact other than many lawyers and developers working to learn GPLv2 vs. GPLv3 differences. And, late in the year, the GPL was tested in court several times, with quick results.
- Several mass-market computers shipped with Linux, instead of the typical Microsoft-supplied consumer OS. These included the $200 Walmart PC, the managed Zonbu Zonbook, and the Asus EEE PC, as well as the kid-oriented XO OLPC device.
- Lots of cool Linux-powered devices arrived in time for the holidays
But these are just a few of the highlights. For a more in-depth look back at the year that was, we invite you to peruse the pages below. They highlight what we consider to be the top 200 or so stories, culled from about 1,200 for the year. Enjoy . . . !
Most Significant Stories for 2007
(Click here for further information)
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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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