LynuxWorks has ported open source virtual platform software to its kit for developers using Apple's PowerPC G5 desktop as a development platform for IBM's 64-bit PPC 970 processor. User-Mode Linux (UML) for PowerPC targets developers wishing to experiment with unstable kernels or applications without endangering their host systems.

LynuxWorks says the release represents the first non-x86 port of UML based on a 2.6 kernel.

According to LynuxWorks, UML for PowerPC allows multiple Linux virtual machines and applications to run in user-mode (without root privileges) on top of a host system running LynuxWorks BlueCat Lynux. It says future releases will support host systems running other operating systems, such as its real-time LynxOS.

UML provides a development sandbox, and enables the creation of multiple virtual hardware and software devices, as well as supporting user-level debug access to the Linux 2.6 kernel, LynuxWorks says.

CEO Dr. Inder Singh said, “As the 64-bit processor becomes more prevalent in the embedded industry, especially in the military and aerospace sector, we anticipate our UML will be in high demand, and further the adoption of embedded Linux.”

LynuxWorks released its BSP for Apple's G5 in March of 2004, saying the desktop system offered a less expensive, more complete development system for IBM's 64-bit PPC 970 chips.

Availability

LynuxWorks will make its UML version available “immediately” to the Linux developer community, through the project's website. The company says the port runs on a host running its LynuxWorks BlueCat Linux operating system.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.