Linux software manages updates for remote embedded devices

By Eric Brown
2010-05-10

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Lineo Solutions, Inc. announced Linux-based server and client software enabling remote updates of embedded devices over the web. The SmartU2 for Linux System consists of core management server software called "SmartU2 Manager," as well as a 100KB "SmartU2 Agent" client that runs on embedded Linux devices, says the company

The SmartU2 for Linux System supports a variety of embedded device networks, including home automation systems, a network of shops, a factory, or remote installations of embedded devices, says the company.

The SmartU2 Manager manages the distribution of software updates for target devices, while also monitoring device status, says Lineo. Updatable software is said to include the Linux system and root filesystem, as well as application software and content. The software can update multiple systems in accordance with an update schedule in which date and time can be arbitrarily specified, says the company. Group updates are also said to be supported.

SmartU2 at work in a distribution network of embedded devices in Japan
(Click to enlarge)

The server management software requires a Linux distribution, with CentOS 5.3 or 5.4 recommended, as well as Java (JRE 1.6 or later recommended). The server software uses an Apache 2.2 web server, Tomcat 5.5 applications server, and a database (Postgres 8.4.1 recommended), says Lineo.

A SmartU2 conceptual diagram
(Click to enlarge)

The compact (100KB) SmartU2 Agent communicates regularly with the SmartU2 Manager over the Internet, and executes the directed updates, says Lineo. The Agent software can run on any embedded Linux distribution on processor platforms including ARM, x86, MIPS, and SH (Renesas). Devices require a 10/100 Ethernet port, as well as a recommended allotment of 128MB of both RAM and flash memory, says the company.

Lineo Solutions was an early leader in offering commercial embedded Linux distributions. Recent Linux-based products from Lineo Solutions include an LL-rescue failure analysis service for embedded Linux developers, released last year, and a Warp 2 fast-boot technology that was introduced in 2008.

Stated Kenji Futatsugi, CEO and President, Lineo Solutions, "Embedded devices have to respond to the demands of the present age that represent key words such as 'Ubiquitous', 'Eco', and 'Smart'. We believe that public will accept 'SmartU2' to be released this time as software to improve Linux embedded devices' product life and added value."

Availability

SmartU2 will be released on May 28, says Lineo, which will demonstrate the product at the Embedded Systems Expo (ESEC2010), to be held this week at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Big Sight) starting on May 12. Lineo' Solutions' booth can be found at East 37-6, says the company.

More information on Lineo may be found at the company website, here.

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