The European Commission (EC) has funded a project to promote the adoption of Open Source software, including Linux, in embedded systems. The project, known as Industrial Embedded Systems (INES), was funded by the European Community's Fifth Framework Programme for research, technological development, and… demonstration activities. The initiative is investing in twenty-three “key actions,” and the INES project is part of key action 4.2.4, Computing, Communications and Networks.

The INES project, which began in January 2002 and is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2003, is distributed across six European countries — Italy, Belgium, UK, Sweden, Slovenia, and Romania — and currently has nineteen corporate partners.

“The main focus of the [INES] project is the [development and proliferation] of software and firmware technologies associated with the adoption of embedded . . . Linux based solutions to implement TCP/IP networks in embedded industrial applications,” said INES coordinator Lino Fiorentino.

According to a 6-page project overview whitepaper (PDF download), INES is concentrating on . . .

• The use of open source [operating systems in] industrial applications
• Applications in which the interconnection between an industrial network and TCP/IP is a key factor
• Applications in which the integration of low-cost off the shelf components in a networked application is a key factor.

. . . [with] special attention paid to the adoption of open source [operating system] based solution[s] to implement TCP/IP networks.

The paper lists the main objectives of INES as being to . . .

• Promote the use of new communications capabilities, that take advantage from the adoption of embedded open source [operating systems], in non-consumer products developed by European enterprises.
• Stimulate the wider adoption of embedded TCP/IP communications technology in organisations by the dissemination of best practice information related to these companies experiences.
• Generate direct economic benefits for the supported enterprises by developing improved and more competitive products, and by replicating this economic benefit in other organisations stimulated to adopt embedded Internet Technology.

A set of training materials, on Open Source Philosophy, Open Source Operating Systems Design Considerations, and Market Analysis, has been developed and is available for public access. Additionally, a series of case studies, currently being developed by the group's members, will soon be available in a case studies section of the INES website.

Further information about the EC's INES project, including its goals, objectives, structure, resource links, and a discussion forum usable by both members and non-members, are available at the INES website.

 
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