MontaVista Linux Powers Zultys

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Patricia Colby writes

“MontaVista Linux Powers New IP Phone and Enterprise Media Exchange, Provides Robust Platform for Zultys ZIP 4×4 and MX1200.
SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 31, 2003 MontaVista Software, Inc., the company powering the embedded revolution, and Zultys Technologies, which designs and manufactures products that integrate telecommunications and data communications for enterprise networks, today announced that MontaVista Linux® Professional Edition 3.0 is the chosen operating system for two newly launched Zultys devices, the ZIP 4×4 IP phone and the Zultys MX1200. The ZIP 4×4 integrates an IP phone with a multi-port switch while the MX1200 is the industrys first enterprise media exchange product to deliver sophisticated PBX (private branch exchange), switch, router, and Internet gateway functionality in a single box.

We considered several proprietary embedded RTOSes, but concluded that we could save development time and costs using Linux, and were also able to take advantage of available open source software code, said Iain Milnes, president of Zultys Technologies. MontaVista has an excellent reputation in the Linux community and it authored the preemptible kernel patch and real-time scheduler two Linux extensions that are very important to us. Another key decision point was that MontaVista Linux Professional Edition supports the IBM PowerPC 440GP, which was our target platform for the MX1200.

Both products are based on open standards such as Linux and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), and are capable of performing multiple functions.

The MX1200 fully integrates voice, data, video and fax into a single 2U box with one software interface. It combines the functions of an Internet gateway with a PBX, and adds support for video calls as well. It is designed to be scalable, allowing enterprises to expand up to 1200 users without the need for additional hardware.

The ZIP 4×4 integrates the functions of a managed switch with a business phone, and adds an address book, a calculator and a speakerphone. It features four call appearances providing four simultaneous incoming and outgoing calls, and four Ethernet ports allowing devices such as laptops and PDAs to obtain line-speed connectivity to the LAN through the phone.

The Zultys MX1200 and the ZIP 4×4 IP phone represent the next generation of advanced Internet-connected business communications devices, said Trent Winegar, vice president, worldwide sales, MontaVista Software. MontaVista Linux gives Zultys a robust, open platform allowing it to bring new and innovative products to market quickly at lower total development costs.

MontaVista Linux Professional Edition 3.0 is the latest version of the companys cutting-edge embedded operating system and development platform. Offering enhanced networking capabilities, increased tools coverage and the latest Linux technology, this newly updated version of the product enables embedded equipment manufacturers to develop a broad range of devices.

The Zultys MX1200 is based on IBMs PowerPC 440GP microprocessor, which was created for mid- to high-end devices that require a rich mix of embedded peripherals, and which MontaVista was among the first companies to support, said Lisa Su, director of PowerPC and emerging products, IBM Microelectronics. We believe that MontaVista Linux coupled with IBMs PowerPC processors will provide Zultys with a consistent, scalable, development road map for its future products.

Pricing & Availability

Available immediately in North America, the MX1200 and the ZIP 4×4 are being sold through value added resellers (VARs), or directly by Zultys Technologies at www.zultys.com. The ZIP is competitively priced at $400, including the software, ac adapter, headset, and Ethernet cable. The price of an MX1200 ranges from $20,000 to $212,000 depending on the configuration and the number of users supported.

About MontaVista Software

MontaVista Software is a leading global supplier of systems software for intelligent connected devices and associated infrastructure. MontaVista powers the embedded revolution by providing GNU/Linux-based open-source software solutions. Founded in 1999 by real-time operating system (RTOS) pioneer James Ready, MontaVista offers a family of products under the MontaVista Linux umbrella that address broad-based software developer needs encompassing applications ranging from communications infrastructure to consumer electronics. Multiple Editions of MontaVista Linux are available including Professional, Consumer Electronics and Carrier Grade, along with complementary technology products providing powerful Java and graphics development capabilities.

Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, in Sunnyvale, Calif., MontaVista Software is a privately held company funded by leading investors such as Alloy Ventures, US Venture Partners, RRE Ventures, WR Hambrecht + Co., IBM, Intel Capital, Sony, Panasonic (Matsushita), Toshiba America and Yamaha Corporation. For more information about MontaVista Software, please visit http://www.mvista.com.

About Zultys Technologies

Incorporated in 2001, Zultys Technologies is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif. Zultys designs and manufactures products that integrate telecommunications and data communications for enterprise networks. These products are based on open standards, allowing ease of deployment and management. Zultys develops its hardware and software specifically to create products that deliver complete solutions in single boxes. For more information on Zultys or its products, access www.zultys.com.

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. MontaVista is a trademark of MontaVista Software, Inc. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective companies.

Link: mvista.com