ELC seeks to standardize user interface, real-time, power management -- The Embedded Linux Consortium (ELC) entered a new phase of its standardization activity this week, as it launched three key new initiatives aimed at developing specifications covering user interfaces, real-time performance, and power management for embedded Linux based systems and devices. In the announcement, the ELC included a preliminary roadmap for releasing the new standards within "about a year." Story
Linux powers wireless remote management terminals -- This LinuxDevices.com "device profile" takes a look at a pair of Linux-based wireless systems for remote management applications in automotive and industrial environments. Both units provide built-in GSM/GPRS communications with IP capabilities, enabling efficient information transmission over the cellular wireless network, and the automotive model also includes a built-in GPS receiver. Both models are powered by a 70MHz 32-bit ARM7 RISC embedded processor running Linux kernel 2.4.18 as their embedded software platform. Story
Report claims embedding Linux costs more than embedding Windows -- A report released this week by market research firm Embedded Market Forecasters claims embedded development projects based on Microsoft's "Windows Embedded" operating system platforms (specifically, Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded) are completed 43% faster and at 68% lower cost, on average, compared with similar projects using Embedded Linux. The report, which is available as a free download, uses a new comparison framework developed by the author to express his sense that embedding Linux costs more than people think. The development of the cost measurement framework, and the writing of the report, appear to have been largely funded by Microsoft. You be the judge: is it an objective research report, or a Microsoft-funded "infomercial" -- or something in between? Share your thoughts via the talkback thread. Story
Embedded Linux Consortium comments on the CE Linux Forum -- The ELC issued an official statement regarding the recently announced Consumer Electronics Linux Forum (CELF) and its relationship to the ELC. The statement answers two questions: (1) "What are the key differences between the ELC and CELF?"; and (2) "Your release lists power management, real time and user interface as roadmap targets. The CELF lists power management and real time as roadmap targets. This sounds like overlap and duplication of effort. Is it?" Story
Other noteworthy news items and announcements from the past week . . .
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