M-Systems has introduced what it claims is the “highest capacity, highest performance” flash drive on the market. The FFD Ultra320 SCSI flash drives, with capacities up to 176 GB, target military and aerospace applications, video servers, and broadcasting systems, according to the company. (more…)

Nortel Networks is shipping its first Linux-based IP-PBX (IP private branch exchange), according to an article in Computer Business Review Online. The BCM 50 targets small business or satellite offices with three to fifty employees. Nortel will also switch larger IP-PBXs in its Business Communications Manager (more…)

MontaVista has begun distributing “release candidates” of a new version of its Carrier Grade Linux distribution, to both new and existing customers. Carrier Grade Edition (CGE) 4.0 is described as an “application-ready universal communications platform” targeting COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) telecom equipment. New features in CGE 4.0 include a 2.6 kernel, (more…)

Software VoIP (voice-over-IP) phone vendor Xten Networks is targeting the embedded device market with a Linux port of its free SIP (session initiation protocol) softphone. The X-Lite phone is available with an SDK (software development kit), and targets set-top boxes, embedded devices, and instant messenger applications. (more…)

Motorola has named MontaVista's Carrier Grade Linux distribution the “preferred software development and deployment OS” for its embedded communications computing equipment. Motorola's Open Application-Enabling Platforms target TEMs (telecommunications equipment manufacturers), and are supported under MontaVista Linux Carrier Grade Edition (CGE) throughout product lifecycles, the companies say. (more…)

A real-time signal processing consultant has posted a how-to on building a combination home router/server that draws just 3.1 watts, including AC adapter. PAMurray says the set-up, based on a Peplink Manga running Debian, saves power compared to a separate router and laptop-based server. (more…)

Researchers at the University of Essex are using Linux and tiny embedded computer modules to build fleets of unmanned aircraft that fly in flocking formations like birds, while performing parallel, distributed computing tasks using Bluetooth-connected Linux clustering software. (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…)

Simputer maker Mobilis is readying a new family of low-cost Linux-based PCs for the Indian market. Mobilis's “Mobilis” and “SofCore” systems will ship in three to four months, offering a surprising range of functionality at prices appropriate for India's developing industrial economy, the company says. (more…)

The FreeBSD project has released a new version of its Unix-like operating system. FreeBSD 5.4 offers new features, new tools, and numerous improvements in security, hardware, and networking support, the project says. It targets network appliances and embedded systems, as well as high-performance computing applications. (more…)

ExtremeTech has published an overview for hobbyists interested in building Linux PVRs (personal video recorders) based on PC components. The overview discusses project scope, requirements, available open-source software, and suggested hardware components before diving into installation, configuration, and fine-tuning. (more…)

Korean Linux distributor Haansoft has joined the OSDL, and will contribute to the Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) working group. Haansoft developes its Asianux distribution in collaboration with Red Flag Linux in China and Miracle Linux in Japan, and says the next version will comply with the CGL specification. (more…)

A start-up founded by a former Motorola Semiconductor engineer is shipping a Linux-compatibile dual Gigabit Ethernet network interface card (NIC) with TCP/IP offload engine (TOE). LeWiz claims its Magic2020 HBA offers “best in breed” bi-directional TCP/IP performance. It targets servers, storage, and networked appliances. (more…)

ITTIA has ported its small-footprint embeddable C-language database for mobile systems to uClinux on ARM, as part of a major new release boasting usability gains and new XML export capabilities. The 2.0 version of db.* (formerly dbvista) also includes an autotools build system and improved test suites, ITTIA says. (more…)

[Updated May 12, 2005] — Consumer interest in multimedia-enabled mobile handsets runs low, warns an In-Stat survey of “early adopters.” The survey found only about 10 percent or respondents enthusiastic about phones that play music or TV. The report validates the mid-tier phone market strategies of (more…)