Research and Markets: Operating Systems Used in Embedded Systems - Volume 1: Linux

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a4fc7e/operating_systems) has announced the addition of the "Operating Systems Used in Embedded Systems - Volume 1: Linux" report to their offering.

As part of its Embedded Software 2008 Market Intelligence Service, VDC Research Group (VDC) is pleased to release a study covering the worldwide market for Linux employed in the development of embedded systems.

Specifically, the research efforts focused on the market for:

• Commercial Linux distributions,
• Microkernel/virtualization operating systems used to enable the deployment of Linux-based embedded systems,
• Software development tools used to develop Linux-based embedded systems that are closely associated with development of the operating system, and
• Maintenance, support, and professional services related to the above products.

Although originally developed for general-purpose use on desktops and servers, the use of Linux within embedded devices continues to increase. The licensing cost advantages associated with Linux, the flexibility provided through access to its source code, and a general familiarity with its use provide a compelling value proposition to embedded system developers. The ecosystem of applications and tools built in support of embedded Linux has also continued to mature as developers have gained more experience and knowledge of its use within embedded systems. Advances in the kernel and other enabling technologies have helped drive adoption in markets where Linux had limited penetration in the past. However, challenges still remain in some applications/markets for certain embedded devices where small footprint, real-time support, and/or high levels of security are hard requirements.

VDC expects that embedded Linux will remain a viable option to other commercial embedded operating systems going forward. However, the continued evolution of the Linux operating system and other publicly distributed open source solutions will create ongoing challenges for commercial Linux solution vendors as well. These Linux suppliers will be under increasing pressure to add additional, differentiating value to their solutions in order to justify the purchase of commercial distributions and tools over what is publicly available. In addition, distributions from hardware vendors and those bundled in software stacks and development platforms are becoming increasingly sophisticated and, in many cases, adequate for certain embedded projects' requirements.

An extensive analysis of the world market for commercially available embedded Linux software solutions and related services used in embedded applications leads us to the following conclusions:

Key Topics Covered:

• I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• II SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY
• III MARKET OVERVIEW
• IV STRATEGIC ISSUES, DRIVERS, & TRENDS
• V MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECASTS
• VI COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
• VII VENDOR PROFILES
• VIII SUMMARIES & OBSERVATIONS
• LIST OF EXHIBITS

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a4fc7e/operating_systems