A major global electronics distributor has announced that its U.S.-based operation has started reselling a software subscription service for embedded Linux developers. Arrow Electronics's North American Components (NAC) division says TimeSys's “LinuxLink” subscriptions can help developers streamline development of their own commercial-grade custom Linux platforms.

Arrow's NAC division provides semiconductors and passive, electromechanical and connector products, computing solutions, services, and supply-chain solutions tailored for vertical markets, says Arrow. It is split into the Arrow Electronics Components Group, which serves OEM and contract manufacturing customers, and the Arrow/Zeus Electronics Group, which targets the aerospace and military markets.

LinuxLink is a Web-based DIY service that includes an embedded Linux kernel and reference filesystem for a specific processor or processor architecture. The filesystems include hundreds of pre-compiled, pre-tested applications, while the kernels include the latest chip- and architecture-specific kernel patches from upstream silicon vendors, TimeSys says. The subscriptions include web-based project management tools, email alerts about newly available patches, and access to a community support forum. Access to online software testing tools, as well as Eclipse-based development tools, are optional add-ons.

Founded over a decade ago, Timesys originally provided a vertically oriented Linux distribution aimed at industrial and real-time applications. In 2005, it switched to a more horizontal business model, in which it offers subscriptions to continuously updated, tested binaries from which developers can assemble custom embedded Linux distributions.

Stated Chris Breslin, Arrow's VP of marketing for embedded computing, “Timesys with its unique LinuxLink is a powerful addition to Arrow's offerings and delivers on our commitment of long-term support to developers working with Linux.”

 
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