Conclusion

The combination of embedded Linux and Java offers engineers and developers a new choice for flexible project deployment. Thanks to the emergence of professional support organizations that have focused on the problems experienced by embedded developers, a wide array of connected device platforms can now support execution of Java applications.

Long history and experience running Linux on servers has lead to improved robustness in the Linux kernel and related facilities. These enhancements are shared with the providers of embedded Linux technology. Today, Linux is proving to be a robust environment with a track record that is improving with time and experience. Additionally, tools for deploying Linux in embedded system applications have included specific attention to working in the resource-constrained environment of embedded devices. With the increasing availability of Java implementations for embedded Linux (e.g. IBM's VisualAge Micro Edition), Java application developers working on an embedded Linux platform are now fully supported with rich cross development tools.

Current trends in embedded Linux development are yielding more configurable and smaller size operating system components that improve the speed of device initialization and resource utilization. When matched with the power and flexibility of the Java environment, project managers and developers have available a combination that enables them to successfully design and develop the next generation of embedded systems applications, delivering high reliability and availability.

• Part 1: Why Linux?
  
• Part 2: Why Java?
  
• Part 3: The Synergy of Java and Linux
  
• Part 4: Conclusions

 
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