LynuxWorks adds hybrid real-time Linux solution

Daniel McKean writes, On the heels of announcing the next major revision to its popular BlueCat Linux product, LynuxWorksInc. announced today its intent to add hard real-time Linux to its product line, offering customers greater choice and a clear migration path for embedded designs. Provided as a comprehensive solution with bundled tools and service options, BlueCat RT will fill the cost and needs gap in embedded operating systems between non-real-time and robust hard real-time operating systems (RTOS) requirements. BlueCat RT will be based on licensed RTLinuxä technology from FSMLabs, which will be integrated with LynuxWorks’ own BlueCat Linux.

The integration of BlueCat with RTLinux provides a hybrid solution running on the same processor, with a majority of the application operating within Linux and a subset making use of the real-time performance of the RTLinux kernel. The addition of BlueCat RT to the LynuxWorks product portfolio provides developers greater choice in selecting the right operating system to meet their exact needs. The expanded product mix now includes: BlueCat, one of the industry’s most preferred non-real-time embedded Linux distributions; BlueCat RT, the new hybrid real-time Linux distribution; and LynxOS, the industry?s premier, linux-compatible RTOS based on open standards since 1990.

LynuxWorks is the only company to provide an embedded operating system solution covering the spectrum of open standards-based embedded and real-time requirements. Several key time-to-market benefits are derived for developers choosing to use the breadth of LynuxWorks? operating systems.

Easy migration path to next level. Akey benefit of LynuxWorks products is that the operating systems are designed with open, standard interfaces. Customers can choose the operating system, based on capabilities and requirements, with the option to easily migrate or reuse that code with another LynuxWorks operating system.

Shorten learning cycles. Developers have access to a common set of compatible commercial-grade development tools that work equally as well for any of the LynuxWorks operating systems. LynuxWorks’ tools include: compilers, debuggers, kernel trace tools and analyzers, and integrated development environments.

“BlueCat RT is a natural extension to our current product line as developers will have access to a complete suite of compatible operating systems that offer a higher level of performance with consistent interfaces and a common set of commercial grade tools,” said Inder Singh, president and CEO of LynuxWorks. “BlueCat RT expands on our company heritage for offering the industry the most compelling suite of solutions to fulfill growing embedded needs in the development process.”

BlueCat RT, utilizing licensed, patented technology from FSMLabs, uses a small real-time kernel, which co-exists with the BlueCat Linux operating system. The kernel gives developers greater flexibility in their product and system designs over standard Linux distributions by allowing the scheduling of pre-emptible tasks. As a multitasking operating system, real-time requests are bypassed around the Linux operating system to the real-time kernel for immediate handling. Developers will use BlueCat RT when there are a minimal number of real-time tasks in their applications, for cost considerations or a desire for overall simplicity of use.

About FSMLabs

Finite State Machine Labs Inc (FSMLabs) was founded by the creators of RTLinuxä with the goal of developing core real-time technology characterized by ease of use, robustness and precise design. FSMLabs has headquarters in Socorro New Mexico and offices and support and development partners worldwide. FSMLabs RTLinux software is used by companies and organizations such as Fujitsu, Jim Henson Creature Shop, United Technologies, NASA, and Sandia National Labs. For more information visit www.fsmlabs.com.

About LynuxWorks

LynuxWorks is a world leader in the embedded software market, providing operating systems, software development products and consulting services for the world’s most successful communications, aerospace/defense, and consumer products companies. Established in 1988, the company is a founding member of the real-time operating systems (RTOS) industry, and a leading participant in the Embedded Linux Consortium (ELC). LynuxWorks’ headquarters are located in San Jose, California. The company’s products include the open-source BlueCat Linux and the scalable, Linux-compatible LynxOS real-time operating system. World class companies use LynuxWorks’ products, including: 3Com, Alcatel, Boeing, Ericsson, Hewlett Packard, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Lockheed Martin, Lucent Technologies, Marconi, Mitsubishi, Motorola, NEC USA, Raytheon, TRW and Xerox. For more information, please visit www.lynuxworks.com.