Embedded Planet Chooses TimeSys As Provider of Embedded Real-Time Linux

Cleveland, OH — Feb 18, 2002

Embedded Planet has chosen TimeSys Corporation as its exclusive provider of embedded Linux operating systems for its PowerPC-based single board computers. Embedded Planet is a provider of integrated platforms and services for rapid development and cost effective production of embedded and networking devices. TimeSys offers system architects a full set of Linux-based solutions for developing robust, cost-effective embedded systems.

TimeSys Corporation and Embedded Planet have entered into a partnership to jointly deliver PowerPC-based single board computers running TimeSys Linux GPL providing design engineers a complete "turn-key" development environment allowing companies to rapidly take their embedded systems from concept to production. TimeSys Linux GPL consists of a powerful, fully featured, preemptible Linux kernel and all other modules needed to extend a standard Linux distribution to support the predictable, extremely low-latency response requirements of these embedded systems.

"A growing segment of our customers want a low cost complete PowerPC / embedded Linux bundle and our partnership with TimeSys delivers that solution," said Mark Lowdermilk, CEO of Embedded Planet. "We've chosen TimeSys Linux GPL because the cost, performance and functionality met our embedded Linux customer requirements. In addition, customers want an embedded Linux operating system with low-latency, real-time modules and complete development tools. The TimeSys embedded Linux GPL solution will be loaded into flash on our hardware to provide customers with a complete solution out of the box."

"The Embedded Planet partnership is an important step in the execution of our overall strategy of becoming the operating system of choice for the embedded Linux marketplace. Embedded Planet is a leader in the PowerPC-based single board market and this is great validation of our ability to partner to create a complete solution for embedded system engineers," said Larry Weidman, CEO of TimeSys Corporation. 

Shipping in March and April 2002, TimeSys will provide complete Board Support Packages (BSP) for the following Embedded Planet hardware platforms:

  • RPX Lite (PowerPC 823 and 850 processors)
  • RPX CLLF (PowerPC 855 and 860 processors)
  • EP8260 (PowerPC 8255 and 8260 processors)
  • EP405 (PowerPC 405GP processors)
  • Linux Planet (PowerPC 823 processors)
  • Ice Planet (PowerPC 405 processors)

Each BSP supports the following devices on the Embedded Planet hardware (where applicable):

  • PowerPC processor
  • Flash, DRAM, NVRAM
  • 10/100 Ethernet
  • Serial
  • PCMCIA
  • PCI
  • I2C
  • Graphics
  • LCD
  • Touch Screen

To provide a complete turn-key solution, Embedded Planet will include TimeSys BSP kits in a complete package that will include the following:

  • TimeSys Linux GPL pre- installed in Flash
  • Linux board-hosted GNU tool chains
  • X86 Linux cross-platform GNU tool chains
  • Timing analysis core for use by TimeTrace
  • Certified device drivers
  • User and API Documentation
  • TimeSys Linux/Real-Time: add on proprietary modules that when enabled transform Linux into a first-class real-time operating system (RTOS)

Additionally, for Windows-based cross-platform development, TimeSys and Embedded Planet will provide customers with 60-day evaluation copies of:

  • TimeStorm: TimeSys' Windows-hosted Integrated Development Environment with cross-platform capabilities for Embedded Planet's boards
  • TimeTrace: a Windows-hosted target platform event tracing visualization tool
  • TimeWiz: a Windows-hosted real-time analysis and simulation tool

All of which make it easier for developers to create predictable, robust applications using the TimeSys Linux operating system and Board Support Packages.

About Embedded Planet

Embedded Planet was founded in 1997 and has pioneered the Design, Develop and Deploy process in OEM systems development of Internet connected devices. The company provides small form factor, low cost computing solutions for Motorola PowerPC 823, 823e, 850, 855, 857, 860, 862, 8255 and 8260 as well as the IBM PowerPC 405GP. Each computing engine includes Embedded Planet's PlanetCore, which provides firmware and utilities for burning flash, booting the target operating system, setup, diagnostics and utilities of the hardware. Embedded Planet also provides system design and system integration, including intellectual property, component solutions and development of turnkey products. For more information, please visit www.embeddedplanet.com email to info@embeddedplanet.com or call 440-646-0077.

About TimeSys

TimeSys is a pioneer and leader in Embedded Linux and Javaâ„¢ development technologies. Its products allow design engineers to leverage the power, flexibility and reliability of a new class of development tools for advanced embedded systems for a variety of markets and applications, covering the complete performance range from non-real-time to deterministic hard real-time, using both open-source and proprietary technologies. TimeSys is considered the top choice by systems architects for developing more robust, less expensive, single API Linux solutions for embedded systems. TimeSys was the first to create a reservation technology that guarantees system response, even in overloaded systems. TimeSys solutions offer completely predictable and fast response time performance. For more information about TimeSys, please visit www.timesys.com.

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