Databases embedded in applications for mobile devices are based increasingly on non-relational, open source software, according to research sponsored by a company offering an object-oriented DBMS under dual licenses. Db4objects says its db4o Java/.NET database has become the “world's most popular object database” since it was released under the GPL eight months ago. (more…)

Industrial automation specialist Moxa Technologies has kicked off a partner program aimed at enticing software vendors to build Linux applications for its family of embedded computers. Participants in the “Moxa Software Partner” program will receive extensive embedded Linux resource material, customer referrals, and help building customized applications for special projects, the Taiwanese company says. (more…)

The number of IP PBX lines shipped is projected to exceed those of traditional PBXs this year, for the first time, according to In-Stat. While the traditional PBX is in “rapid decline,” In-Stat says it expects IP PBXs to grow at 6.6 percent compounded annually through 2009. (more…)

Industrial automation specialist Moxa will ship in September a low-power, fanless, XScale-based industrial controller featuring eight lines each of digital input and output. The UC-7408 comes with embedded Linux pre-installed, and targets industrial automation and manufacturing applications integrating serial… (more…)

SSV has added Windows XP hosting to the embedded Linux starter kit it offers for its Coldfire-based DIL/NetPC PNP/5282, which it describes as the “world's tiniest Linux system.” The “CoLinux Cross Tools” include a GNU-based uClinux build environment that runs in a window on XP, the company… (more…)

The microprocessor industry is tracking a “performance-per-Watt” course, according to Intel CEO Paul S. Otellini. Otellini announced a power-efficient micro-architecture due in Q2, 2006, demonstrated three power-efficient multi-core chips built on 65-nanometer process technology, and alluded to “handtop PCs” in his… (more…)

The embedded OS and tools markets are healthy, driven by robust consumer electronics and telecom sectors, and by innovations such as Linux, Eclipse, and open source, according to Venture Development Corp. (VDC). VDC has published whitepapers on both markets, based on summary findings from its annual study of embedded markets. (more…)

Redpine Signals has introduced what it claims to be the world's lowest power licensable 802.11b/g platform — requiring just 35.6mW during VoIP calls. The Pine1-LP Wireless LAN reference design is supported by Linux drivers, and targets mobile handsets, PDAs, digital cameras, MP3 players, gaming, and printing platforms. (more…)

Phoenix Technologies has released a new version of its BIOS firmware that aims to protect x86-based computing devices and data before the operating system and applications are loaded. TrustedCore SP2 incorporates firmware security enhancements that “fundamentally transform” legacy BIOS technology, according to the company. (more…)

An article in the current issue of [In]Secure magazine suggests that the perception of PDAs as “simple devices” has left many corporate networks vulnerable to attack. Not only can the PDAs themselves be compromised, but PDAs can also be used as trojans to attack a network, writes author Seth Fogie. (more…)

Cavium Networks is sampling multi-core network processors targeting mid- to high-end networking and storage devices based on Linux. The Octeon EXP family includes models with four to 16 cores that can integrate both data- and control-plane processing on a single processor, the company claims. (more…)

Jungo Software has updated its development kits for cross-platform, user-space PCI/USB host and device drivers. WinDriver USB/PCI 7.01 and WinDriver USB Device 7.01 feature uniform APIs across Linux, Windows, Windows CE, and Solaris; support for AMD64/IA64, enhanced PCI Express support, and other new features and fixes. (more…)

Sun Microsystems has launched an ambitious community project aimed at building a universal system of digital rights management based on “open source” software. The company has seeded its Open Media Commons (OMC) initiative by releasing Sun Labs Project DReaM (DRM/everywhere available) software under the CDDL (Common Development and Distribution License). (more…)

The Eclipse Foundation is shipping a revision to its CDT (C/C++ development tool) IDE (integrated development environment). CDT 3.0 features faster parsing, easier plug-in authoring, new indexer options, and a more configurable build system, including user-definable environment variables. (more…)

IBM has published the following technical articles, tutorials, and downloads on its DeveloperWorks website. They cover a range of interesting (though not necessarily embedded) technical topics, primarily related to Linux and open source system development. Some require free registration. Enjoy . . . ! (more…)