“The overall embedded market is undergoing a major
transformation both in design and functionality. Networking
technologies are becoming increasingly more important for embedded
developers. Driven by the proliferation of the Internet and the
increasing ubiquity of embedded computer systems, devices that can
communicate with other devices are becoming dominant in the
embedded market.The Linux operating system has been available for years for
servers and desktops, and has continued to gain market share in
both of these computing segments. Helping to drive this growth and
lend creditability to Linux are well established companies such as
IBM, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, Oracle, and others. Linux,
originally developed for the desktop and adapted for servers, is
now making in-roads into the highly fragmented embedded market.In 2000, worldwide shipments of embedded Linux OSs, software
development tools, and related services reached an estimated $28.2
million (see figure, below). By 2005, VDC estimates that shipments
will reach $306.6 million, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of
61.2%.”