Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, CA — (press release excerpt) — In a joint announcement, Embedded Linux supplier MontaVista Software Inc. and embedded processor core supplier Tensilica today disclosed a wide-reaching technical and marketing agreement whereby MontaVista Software's Hard Hat Linux will be ported to Tensilica's Xtensa “configurable… processor core” architecture.

The combination of Hard Hat Linux with the Xtensa architecture will enable an entire category of devices, previously built with proprietary controllers or rigid processors, to exploit the incredible flexibility of Tensilica's configurable processor core. For the first time, SOC developers will be able to harness the enormous array of Linux application software on an application optimized processor. Utilizing Tensilica's OSKit technology, Hard Hat Linux will be automatically updated to fully support all possible configurations that meet or exceed the minimum requirements. This will enable Hard Hat Linux to run “out of the box” on the customized configurations.

The Xtensa processor is targeted at high volume applications including datacom and telecom protocol processing, digital cameras, set-top boxes, office automation products, wireless communications devices, and a spectrum of other consumer electronic products. Announced licensees of the Xtensa processor include Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Conexant Systems, Fujitsu Limited, Galileo Technology, Hughes Network Systems, Mindspeed Technologies, National Semiconductor, NEC Corporation, TranSwitch, and Zilog.

MontaVista Software Hard Hat Linux support for Tensilica's Xtensa processor architecture will be available in second quarter 2002. It will be included as part of the Hard Hat Linux Professional Edition, which is available by product subscription.

 
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