A Linux-based mobile communication platform -- This "device profile" introduces National Scientific Corporation's StarPilot Linux-based mobile communication platform. The compact device, which mounts discretely in a vehicle's trunk or under one of the front seats, provides location information servers that can connect the car's onboard systems, and its occupants, to a broad spectrum of wireless data services. Thanks to the combination of embedded Linux and PC/104 modular flexibility, developers can readily add new functions and applications to adapt the device to unique requirements and future standards. Story
Priority Inheritance: The Real Story -- In this guest editorial, TimeSys VP of Technology Doug Locke offers a rebuttal to Victor Yodaiken's recently published whitepaper on what's wrong with using a technique called 'priority inheritance' to avoid a problem in real-time systems known as 'priority inversion'. Locke says Yodaiken's conclusion is like saying that 'because some carpenters might unsafely use a screwdriver to drive nails, screwdrivers should never be used.' Story
Developers give high marks to Open Source community support -- Venture Development Corporation (VDC) has released three new charts from their recent study entitled Linux's Future in the Embedded Systems Market, which indicate that embedded developers using Open Source software take advantage of support from the Open Source community, and are generally satisfied with the support they receive. Over 60% said they consult the Open Source community on a weekly or monthly basis, and less than 2% reported that the responses were not useful. Story
Update on little Linux platforms -- Are you looking for small pre-built systems for implementing your Linux-based projects or products? Look no further. LinuxDevices.com has just completed an update to its popular Quick Reference Guide to Little Linux Systems for Projects and Products. This handy reference guide lists small systems that can serve as ready-made platforms for prototyping applications, or as the basis of application-specific Linux-based systems and devices. The style, performance, and costs of these systems vary greatly. Lots of pictures! Story
Two approaches to shared library support for uClinux/uClibc -- Two companies (SnapGear and RidgeRun) recently announced dynamic linking support for uClinux using two different approaches. In this whitepaper, SnapGear CEO Rick Stevenson discusses various practical issues from both technical and legal perspectives, and compares and contrasts the two companies' differing approaches. Story
Embedded Linux powers new Remote Terminal Unit -- SIXNET's new VersaTRAK IPm Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is a small device used for datalogging, 'supervisory control and data acquisition' (SCADA), and control applications. The RTU is unique in that it operates on an embedded Linux platform, thereby providing users with both the power and flexibility of Linux open-source software along with the reliability of industrial grade hardware. Story
Embedded Linux vendors forge alliance in Korea -- MontaVista Software announced a partnership with Seoul, Korea based Mizi Research whereby Mizi will market, distribute, and support MontaVista's products in Korea. "This partnership not only marks MontaVista's continued expansion, but also further consolidation in the embedded Linux market," explained MontaVista's Bill Weinberg. Story
Tiny fanless system targets Linux-based apps -- A French company introduced the OpenBrick, a compact, fanless system targeting applications based on Linux and other open source software. The device contains a PC/104-expandable single-board computer with a Geode processor, up to 128MB internal SDRAM, and a an extensive list of peripheral interfaces (including Ethernet), plus both CompactFlash and PCMCIA expansion. Story
RidgeRun calls it quits -- An article in the Idaho Statesman reports that RidgeRun, a firm which specialized in providing an Embedded Linux based software platform specific to Texas Instruments' dual-core (DSP/ RISC) system-on-chip processors, has gone out of business. Story
Embedded Linux: Is it Dead Yet? -- Electronic Design editor William Wong points out that embedded Linux is doing well despite a difficult economy, and contrary to comments from a number of editors, analysts, and critics that suggest otherwise. Some vendors are even reportedly in the black -- and growing. Story
Here are some additional news items and announcements of interest from the past week . . .
Read them here: July 11, 2002, July 4, 2002, June 27, 2002, June 20, 2002, June 13, 2002, June 6, 2002, May 30, 2002, May 23, 2002, May 16, 2002, May 9, 2002, May 2, 2002, Apr. 25, 2002, Apr. 18, 2002, Apr. 11, 2002, Apr. 4, 2002, Mar. 28, 2002, Mar. 21, 2002, Mar. 14, 2002, Mar. 7, 2002, Feb. 28, 2002, Feb. 21, 2002, Feb. 14, 2002, Feb. 7, 2002, Jan. 31, 2002, Jan. 24, 2002, Jan. 17, 2002, Jan. 10, 2002, Jan. 3, 2002
Be sure to stop by LinuxDevices.com -- "the Embedded Linux Portal" -- for the latest news, articles, forums, products, companies, jobs, and buzz in the fast-moving "post-PC" world of Linux-based intelligent devices, Internet appliances, and embedded systems. You can contact us here.