Well, it had to happen sometime: Forbes has discovered embedded Linux. What's more, Forbes editor Amy Doan has concluded that the diverse world of embedded devices might just be the next successful Linux conquest (adding to the server market). Of course, LinuxDevices.com couldn't agree more! Amy Doan writes, at Forbes.com . . .

“Linux may soon be all around us — just not on top of your desk.”

“Underscoring what looks like a new trend, on April 10 Motorola TurboLinux will announce the acquisition of stakes in Lynx Real-Time Systems, which is developing versions of the Linux open-source operating system for set-top boxes, Web tablets, printers, phone switches and other non-PC hardware.”

“The market for embedded Linux is starting to look more alluring than the market for off-the-shelf Linux. For one thing, there will be more information appliances than PCs by 2001, according to International Data Corp. Another reason is that while Microsoft still dominates the packaged-OS world, next-generation communication and networking devices are very much unsettled territory.”

“Because it is small, fast and stable, Linux appears to be ideal for handheld devices that can't accommodate even the most stripped-down version of Windows. Microsoft has hinted that it might make its Windows CE operating system for handhelds available to developers for free, which could help it compete in the appliance market. But Linux has a huge head start.”

“Another advantage for Linux is that companies basing their products on it won't need to pay license fees for every unit they produce, as is the case when they develop with proprietary software. That makes it a very cheap alternative.”

” 'When you get into the consumer electronics world, a few bucks really matters,' says Paul Czerny, an analyst covering the embedded Linux market for Venture Development Corp. in Natick, Mass. 'If they use any version of Windows, it's ten times more expensive.' “

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Related story: Linux and Windows square off over devices

 
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