Embedded Linux soon in every mobile device?

Alexander Turcic · 02-23-2005, 06:33 PM

Linux - just a buzz word, or is there more about this system which could, according to some market observers, become an established force in the mobile world?

From LinuxDevices we learn that a growing need for complex requirements for internetworking between packet-based and other kinds of voice and data networks will put embedded Linux on an increasing number of mobile devices in near future.

Quote:

It's only been about two years since Linux started becoming a significant factor in mobile phones, an arena that has been dominated by Symbian, Microsoft, and proprietary operating systems. With the burgeoning complexity of mobile phones, feature phones, and smart phones -- plus increasing time-to-market pressures -- there's a clear movement toward off-the-shelf, third-party operating systems based on industry standards, and Linux figures to be a major beneficiary of that trend.

Some companies, such as OpenWave, expect Linux to be a "2006 product story." Recent developments, such as PalmSource's acquisition of China MobileSoft and the adoption of several of its software products certainly make us want to believe this. On the other hand, some analysts are more sceptical. Neil Strother, a senior analyst with InStat/MDR, thinks that while the cell phone market might hold great promise for Linux, the platform will not just walk in and take over. "It's a crowded field," Strother says of the smart phone market. "Linux could struggle just because it has some formidable foes against it. That's not to say it has no future."

Some related links:
Linux for Embedded Systems?
Linux in Embedded Systems - The Windows side of the story
Microsoft Now Leads in PDA, Embedded OS
Embedded Linux becoming 'disruptive force'

My question to all Mobileread readers: Do you believe embedded Linux will become a disruptive force in the mobile world within the next 12 months? Make sure to participate in the poll!

cbarnett · 02-23-2005, 06:58 PM

Even five years ago, if people had said Linux would have made the incursions into business it already has, many would have scoffed, but linux has become a reliable and respected alternative to other *nix setups. I can see it making similar inroads into the embedded OS market as well, and probably much faster, as it's now seen as a mature and stable solution.

Go linux!!

Craig.

View Poll Results: Linux will play an increasingly important role in gadgets to come.
I agree (even my coffee machine will run Linux one day)	4	100.00%
I disagree (Linux is only for geeks and prone to periodic reboots and hangs)	0	0%
Voters: 4. You may not vote on this poll

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02-23-2005, 06:58 PM	#2
cbarnett MR prodigal son Posts: 1,085 Karma: 1083739 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Aura H2O	Even five years ago, if people had said Linux would have made the incursions into business it already has, many would have scoffed, but linux has become a reliable and respected alternative to other *nix setups. I can see it making similar inroads into the embedded OS market as well, and probably much faster, as it's now seen as a mature and stable solution. Go linux!! Craig.

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