Embedded Linux News Briefs

3iLinux introduced a low-cost, compact and configurable Linux system that lets OEMs rapidly create Internet devices simply by adding their unique application software. The ready-to-run box includes a 386 CPU, 2x16 LCD, one or two modems, Ethernet, pushbuttons, power supply and boots from DiskOnChip. (http://www.3ilinux.com/)

The latest version of muLinux (V7r6) is now available. It's described as a minimalistic—but mostly complete—application-oriented Linux distribution that fits on a single floppy diskette. Minimum system requirements are a 386 PC with 8MB DRAM. Download muLinux from http://sunsite.auc.dk/mulinux/.

TINY Linux (v0.1) has arrived. It's a PC Linux requiring minimal system resources that can be installed easily by Linux beginners. TINY doesn't need a CD for installation, even on stand-alone machines. (http://tiny.seul.org/)

Motorola Computer Group has hired Linuxcare to provide Linux services and support for Motorola's customers. Linuxcare will also support Motorola's Linux-related engineering programs, product customization and application development. (www.mcg.mot.com/, www.linuxcare.com)

Moreton Bay announced “the world's tiniest Linux DHCP server”, targeted to embedded environments. The miniscule open-source DHCP server fits in 22KB, vs. 400KB+ for typical DHCP servers. (http://www.moretonbay.com/dhcpd/)

The world's leading developers of real-time and embedded Linux convened in Vienna, Austria for the first annual Real Time Linux Workshop. The group reached consensus to develop a standardized real-time Linux Application Programming Interface. (http://www.realtimelinux.org/)

There's a new mailing list devoted to Linux i386 assembly language programming. The list address is linux-assembly@egroups.com. To subscribe, send a blank message to linux-assembly-subscribe@egroups.com. List archives are at http://www.egroups.com/lists/linux-assembly/.

Lineo announced that Arriba!, Viosoft's Integrated Development Environment (IDE), will be bundled in Embedix, Lineo's embedded Linux SDK. (http://www.lineo.com/)

Four leading Linux distribution suppliers—Caldera, Red Hat, SuSE and TurboLinux—jointly announced an alliance called the Trillian project, which will ensure Linux support of Intel's upcoming Itanium (IA-64) processors when they come to market in the second half of 2000.

WireSpeed Communications announced an Embedded Linux Service which will provide contract development services to companies wanting a rapid way to develop embedded systems based on Linux. (http://www.wirespeed.com/)

After receiving $32.5M in venture capital funding, Linuxcare acquired three Linux technology companies including Prosa, a well-known Italian consulting firm that specializes in porting Linux to embedded devices. (www.linuxcare.com/, www.prosa.it)

Zentropix began shipping RealTime Linux v2.2, a distribution derived from Red Hat 6.0 and Linux 2.2.10 combined with a choice of either RTAI version 0.7 or NMT RTLinux version 2.0 real-time functionality. The distribution features one-step installation of a full real-time Linux environment. Powerful Zentropix RealTime Linux debuggers are also included. (http://www.zentropix.com/)

LinuxDevices.com launched an on-line automated Embedded Linux Polls center. The polls will monitor trends in the hot emerging market for embedded and real-time Linux. (http://www.linuxdevices.com/polls/)

Unique Broadband Systems unveiled RealLinux, a new real-time Linux distribution that will support non-“x86” processors including PowerPC, 68030, i960 and DSPs. RealLinux will provide real-time extensions along with reduced footprint, allowing execution from ROM or Flash. (http://www.uniquesys.com/)

Amino Communications announced “the World's Smallest Linux System”. The system is implemented on a tiny PC board (2.0 x 4.0 inches) and is optimized for Internet-enabled set-top boxes, web phones and embedded devices. According to Amino, the board costs less than $100 to manufacture. (http://www.aminocom.com/)

Coollogic acquired ON Channel, a developer of embedded Linux applications. ON Channel simultaneously announced availability of the E-Pilot, a network appliance it calls “one of the first real-world embedded Linux applications”. The 180MHz MediaGX-based device is compact (11 x 9 x 2 in.) and supports a broad spectrum of communications interface options. (www.coollogic.com, onchannel.com)

An Embedded Linux Consortium is being formed. The non-profit multi-vendor association will foster the rapid proliferation of Linux in embedded applications. An organizational meeting is planned for ESC Chicago (Feb. 28 - Mar. 2). Preliminary plans and discussion can be found at http://www.linuxdevices.com/forum/.

Bristol Technology introduced Wind/U for Linux, a set of cross-platform development tools which simplify the process of converting Windows applications into Linux applications. (http://www.bristol.com/)

KYZO released the commercial version of its PizzaBox Linux distribution. It supports Linux file, print and CD thin server functions and boots from an M-Systems DiskOnChip. NASA has used KYZO's open source PizzaBox distribution in two applications: at Goddard Space Flight Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratories. (http://www.kyzo.com/)

Belgium-based Lernout & Hauspie announced Linux SDKs that enable developers to incorporate speech and language offerings in Linux-based applications for hand-held and embedded devices. (http://www.lhsl.com/voicexpress/)

FSMLabs released v2.0 of RTLinux, a popular Linux distribution with the “hard real time” functionality needed for machine control and mission-critical applications. The new version supports POSIX API and device drivers, symmetric multi-processing, and has highly optimized timings. (http://www.fsmlabs.com/)

Lynx Real-Time Systems, renowned for their proprietary UNIX-like LynxOS “hard real-time” OS, unveiled BlueCat Linux, a derivative of Red Hat Linux for embedded applications. Additionally, Lynx said they will offer a future version of LynxOS that will run Linux applications (unmodified). (http://www.lynx.com/)