Linux Is Hard To Rule The PC Operating Systems, But It Can Be Widely Used In The Area Of Server Systems And Embedded Systems

Introduction

An increase in Linux applications for server and embedded system developments has generated an enthusiastic up-surge in embedded OS market. This aspect is contrasted to its relatively uncompetitive nature in PC and workstations field. WindRiver Systems (WRS) may be considered as a key provider embedded OS vendor, despite an attempt by Microsoft to enter the fray with its Windows CE (Compton, 2000).

It is a tricky effort to predict the future in PC, serve and embedded systems; often it has turned out to be a failed endeavor. In this paper most arguments will be based on positioning of traditional players in embedded systems as of present. Also several initiatives, trends, and forces driving Linux towards embedded systems will be covered. lastly, attention will be paid on how free software and open source community as well as developers of embedded systems influence choice of Linux as a leader in Operating systems (OS) (Yaghmour,2003).

Embedded OS systems

An embedded device refers to any internally sophisticated system comparable to a computer, but does not resemble the traditional desktop machine or serve. Examples range from the “Black box”, internet router, to touchy consumer devices such as credit card readers or cash registers (Lehrbaum, 2001).The universe of embedded computing encompasses PCs of different sizes scaling from portable tiny devices like wristwatch cameras to large systems having thousands of nodes such as telecommunication switches in mainstream worldwide distribution. Embedded systems range from simple microcontrollers to parallel and massive processors which are prodigious to computing memory power (Deshpande, 2004).

Linux operation system is not new, it has been available for years for desktops and servers and has continually gained market share for both computing segments. This growth lends credibility to Linux to established companies in PC industry such as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Oracle, Dell, Compaq and others. Although Linux was primarily designed for desktop followed by adaptation to servers, it is currently a force to reckon after entering the fragmented embedded system market (Lehrbaum, 2001).

The embedded OS market still remains fragmented. However, the market tilted in favor of Linux long time when majority of engineers (50%) preferred “roll your own” operating systems which are in-house and custom-made. for this reason Linux becomes more attractive grabbing sizeable market from board established vendors of embedded OS. Linux has also capitalized on this aspect to penetrate the last frontier in global embedded OS. Jack Ganssle, however cautions that Linux future in embedded world is hazy (Yaghmour, 2003).

For instance, BlueCat Linux was released by Real-Time Systems (RTOS) in November 1999, which later changed name to LynuxWorks. Linux added LynxOS to run unmodified binaries for its proprietary RTOS. The company strategy was to capture market for royalty-free and non-real-time embedded OS which continues up to today through BlueCat and LynxOS. Linux is ahead of competitors because most of them like WRS and QNX failed to engage free software and open source community instead made grave mistake by spreading FUD or launching substitutes to please developers of embedded systems (Yaghmour,2003).

Subsequently, stability in Linux commercials has increased in numbers because it’s major distributors of have collapsed into a small but powerful group. This include, SuSE, Red Hat, Debian, mandrake, Slackware, others are Xandros, Gentoo, and LindowOS. The company has taken advantage of growth in Linux installation packages due to improved skills among people (Adam, 2003). For example, Linux release of Kernel 2.6 polarized competition to key vendors of RTOs, such as WinCE and VxWorks to capture a niche in embedded market. The Linux 2.6 introduced various new applications making it an excellent OS in embedded computing. Easier porting to new PCs, enhanced real-time performance, improved I/O, large memory models, and microcontroller’s support system features are reminiscence of Linux 2.6. The features of kernel 2.6 empowered it as a technology firm of choice in the embedded computing world (Deshpande, 2004).

Competition by Microsoft flopped twice in its quest to dominate the embedded market, first by introducing Windows CE which performed marginally, followed by Windows NT embedded system. Despite the competition, Linux still managed to scale heights by heaping a $ 3.5 billion per annum from embedded system development tools. In the past two years alone, enthusiasm for Linux systems has dramatically increased (Compton, 2000). Future of Linux looks bright with the launch of Mini-ITX as one of modern Ultra-compact technology targeting new generation entertainment and information systems. This technology has revolutionized latest generation minute, ergonomic, affordable, and innovative embedded systems incorporating technology convergence and integration such as Flash, Slim-drives and other potable gadgets (Linux Devices, 2004).

The merits that Linux offers in embedded systems are similarly applied its popular Server operating system strengths. This includes low cost, open source code, and high reliability. This is a plus for most programmers working on Linux OS development. Although, TimeSys and MontaVista as established embedded OS players leading claim for new markets targeting Linux distributors, their efforts can not surplus advantages of systems such as BlueCat and Lynux Real-Time Systems among their users (Compton, 2000).

Conclusion

Success of Linux in server and embedded systems unlike the PC competition is attributed to technology revolution amid economic, financial, and technological inhibitions without fear of unknown. Company’s which stick on the past and worry over risks limits management from venturing into future prosperity. Therefore Linux, embedded systems versatile compatibility simplified complex applications to satisfy human needs. Innovation of Mini-ITX is one of modern Ultra-compact technology targeting new generation entertainment and information systems. This technology has revolutionized latest generation minute, ergonomic, affordable, and innovative embedded systems incorporating technology convergence and integration (Linux Devices, 2004).This can be likened to delegating responsibility to vendors in the field, generating sound business economics, and increasing market share with aim of future long-term benefits (Heller, 2006).

References

Adam, S (2003). The Future of Linux. Retrieved August 16, 2010 from <http://www.osnews.com/story/5354/Editorial_The_Future_of_Linux>

Compton, J. (2000).Is Linux the Embedded Operating System of the Future? Retrieved August 16, 2010 from <http://www.developer.com/tech/article.php/625941/Is-Linux-the-Embedded-Operating-System-of-the-Future.htm>

Deshpande, A.R. (2004). Linux Kernel 2.6: the Future of Embedded Computing, Part I. Retrieved August 16, 2010 from <http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7477>

Heller, R. (2006). Business Competition: The new challenges and challengers in the business revolution. Retrieved August 16, 2010 from <http://www.thinkingmanagers.com/management/business-competition.php>

Lehrbaum, R. (2001). Whitepaper: Linux’s Future in the Embedded Market. Retrieved August 16, 2010 from <http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Whitepaper-Linuxs-Future-in-the-Embedded-Market/>

Linux Devices. (2004). Mini-ITX madness. Retrieved August 16, 2010 from <http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/Linux-For-Devices-Articles/MiniITX-madness/>

Yaghmour, K. (2003). Building Embedded Linux Systems: Embedded Systems, Linux, and the Future. Retrieved August 16, 2010 from <http://www.cotsjournalonline.com/articles/view/100129>