“MontaVista Software, a three-month-old Silicon Valley start-up,
will write a version of Linux called Hard Hat for use on Force
Computers “tiny” computers with embedded processors. The project
will begin with Intel-based machines and later will include PowerPC
machines.”
“MontaVista will focus on “the need for small memory footprint,
guaranteed response, high availability, and other key issues that
desktop Linux does not provide,” the company said.
“Other examples of Linux in small devices: a Web server smaller
than a matchbox, Compaq’s prototype Itsy, Wyse’s diskless thin
clients, Empeg’s MP3 car audio systems, and NetGem’s TV set-top
boxes. Some have even put Linux on Palm Pilots.
“Hard Hat isn’t the only open-source project in the embedded
space. Cygnus Solutions has its eCos project…”