In this interesting online article from Electronic Business magazine, Bill Roberts ponders the potential risks associated with developing smart devices and embedded systems based on Embedded Linux, and attempts to provide opposing perspectives in each case. Roberts writes . . .

“In the electronics industry, risk and reward are as prevalent and inseparable as zeroes and ones. But while many tout the rewards of using open source Linux as an operating system (OS) in embedded devices, few emphasize the risks . . .

“There's nothing inherently bad about Linux, but the raves are louder than the voice of caution. Linux presents several risks you should consider before adopting it for embedded devices. There may be others, but here are five that arise most often in talks with backers, opponents and neutral parties-ranked from least likely, to most likely to happen . . .”

• No.5 Linux is a fad that will fade away
  
• No.4 Embedded Linux's kernel will fork
  
• No.3 Your Linux vendor will fail
  
• No.2 Linux might not lower development costs
  
• No.1 Linux will end up in court

 
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