“Embedded Linux software developer Lineo turned heads Monday
when it announced it had received $37 million in funding. Lineo
spokeswoman Jennifer Finnlinson says the money will be spent to
fuel growth. The company has expanded from 17 employees in
September 1999 to 160 this May, thanks to six recent acquisitions.
Utah-based Lineo follows competitor Lynx Real-Time Systems in
snagging a hefty chunk of change.”
“Interest in embedded Linux is gaining ground as devices —
everything from handheld computers to door locks — get more
complex. Advanced hardware requires advanced software, and Linux is
a popular platform to go between thanks to its reliability,
scalability, and ability to squeeze into small spaces. It’s likely
that embedded Linux will continue to gain momentum as key
hindrances — such as the inability to execute real-time commands
— are being solved elegantly.”
“But open sourcers beware: in the still-green embedded
scene, Linux does not necessarily mean open source. OnCore
Systems’ software foundation, which allows a standard version of
Linux to run real-time commands, is proprietary. In fact, most of
the embedded software development environments are proprietary.
Metrowerks, for example, retails its embedded development
environment for most platforms for $2500, with a Linux version
expected soon. It recently, however, stepped conspicuously into a
founding role with the Embedded Linux Consortium.”