What's an SBC?

Early microcomputers typically consisted of half a dozen (or more) circuit boards — plugged into a backplane — which implemented the central processor unit (CPU), memory, disk controllers, and serial/parallel port functions. These backplane-based microcomputers were used for data acquisition, process control, and R&D projects, but were generally… (more…)

The 5.75 x 8.0 in. Embedded Board eXpandable (EBX) specification, which was derived from Ampro's proprietary Little Board form-factor, resulted from a collaboration between Ampro and Motorola Computer Group. (more…)

Originally derived from the form-factor of the “MiniModules” used to expand Ampro's Little Board SBC, PC/104 has now become one of the most popular embedded system standards. The compact (3.6 x 3.8 in.), rugged, PC-compatible module standard takes its name from the self-stacking 104-pin pin-and-socket bus that contains the same signals as… (more…)

Writing for ZDNet UK, Matt Loney previews the Linux-powered 'WatchPad' — a collaboration between IBM and Citizen watch. Loney writes . . .

” . . . IBM will be showing the latest version of its prototype Linux watch at CeBIT this month. (more…)

An announcement from the GNU Bayonne project . . .

Dave Sugar, a GNU package maintainer, announced support for Aculab hardware under GNU Bayonne as part of release 0.7.6 released earlier today. Aculab digital span card support will further broaden GNU Bayonne as a platform of choice for delivering high end enterprise and carrier class voice telephony application services using free software… (more…)

Bruce Perens, one of the leaders of the free software movement and co-founder of the Open Source Initiative, comments on Microsoft's Craig Mundie and public statements he made about open source software and profitability in this entertaining guest column written for ZDNet and published at LinuxDevices.com. Perens writes . . . (more…)

Andrew Josey of The Open Group has issued the following call for papers for upcoming sessions of the Real-time and Embedded Systems Forum. Details are now online . . . (more…)

Sunnyvale, CA — (press release exerpt) — MontaVista Software Inc. today announced the one hundredth member of the MontaVista Partnering Program: PointBase, Inc., maker of a Java-based database management software. (more…)

In a recent interview in Consultingtimes.com, Stephen E. Harris interviews Dan Frye Director of the Linux Technology Center at IBM. Frye discusses IBM's Technology center, its mission, and the 'world-class programming and innovation coming out of the community.' Harris writes . . . (more…)

“In this interview at ZDNet UK, Linux Kernel hacker Alan Cox gives his views on the GPL, 64-bit computing and why grandmothers should want to use Linux Alan Cox is generally referred to in the open-source developer community as a “kernel hacker” — someone whose programming responsibilities cover the Linux kernel, or core, itself. (more…)

Open Source guru Bruce Perens pens a special guest editorial for ZDNet that examines the current 'war' on Linux. Taking a look at Microsoft's tactics in dealing with the upstart OS, Perens explains how this campaign may fall to Linux's advantage . . . (more…)

Salt Lake City — (press release exerpt) — SnapGear today announced a new VPN Router appliance for global markets with integrated V.90 modem for automatic failover for ADSL and Cable-connected customers. Known as the SnapGear PRO+ the unit will be shipping as early as April and expected to retail for US$849. (more…)

ELJ announces the finalists of their second Embedded Linux Journal contest. Projects were based on NIC from The New Internet Company . . .”

• Runner-Up: Shortwave Radio Educational Kiosk, by Jay Sissom — What do you get when you combine the NIC with a Ten-Tec computer controlled RX-320 shortwave radio… (more…)

Solaris and Linux are similar, right? Not exactly. This article describes hints, tips, and 'gotchas' you may encounter porting applications from Solaris to Linux. It is based on the experiences of software engineers from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and from the worldwide IBM labs, who have been involved in many projects porting applications to Linux. (more…)

Redwood City, CA — (press release excerpt) — 'eightythree', the first computer you can use while walking that combines the portability of a handheld with the functionality and software compatibility of a Windows/Linux/UNIX PC, will be unveiled at the opening of CeBIT next week by Tiqit Computers. (more…)