As previously reported, the Embedded Linux Consortium is sponsoring five knowledge sessions in a track-based program to be presented at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 8 ­ 10, 2004 in Las Vegas. The sessions cover licensing, real time performance, power management, product design, and marketing. Attendance is free but on-line registration is recommended.

The sessions include:

• L1 – Value Propositions; Pitfalls & Success Stories (Panel Session)
• L2 – Real-Time Linux (Panel Session)
• L3 – Linux Goes to Market: Designing Successful Embedded Linux Products (Panel Session)
• L4 – Open Source Licensing: What You Need to Know (Lecture)
• L5 – Boosting Power Management, Linux-Style (Panel Session)

Each session will be taught by industry experts or will consist of panelist­experts representing a broad range of views.

Session L4 on Open Source Licensing covers the legal ramifications of the General Public License (GPL) under which Linux must be distributed. Speakers include Jason Wacha, counsel for MontaVista Software; Ira Heffan and Karen Copenhaver of the law firm of Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault LLP; Kevin Foreman, General Manager, Helix at Real Networks Inc., and Matt Asay, Director of Novell's Linux Business Office.

Session L3 on Linux marketing offers pragmatic information on the design of successful consumer electronic products based on embedded Linux. The ELC's Education Chair Dr. Kevin Dankwardt of K Computing will moderate the session. Panelists include representatives from Texas Instruments, LynuxWorks and MontaVista Software.

Dr. Craig Hollabaugh, author of Embedded Linux Hardware, Software and Interfacing, will also participate on L3 and will moderate L2, a panel session on Real Time Linux that includes FSM Labs, LynuxWorks, TimeSys (invited) and MontaVista Software. Deterministic or real time performance is considered a critical capability for many consumer electronic products. Another critical feature, power management is the subject of panel session L5 headed by MontaVista Software that will discuss OS-specific capabilities and techniques that differentiate Linux in consumer electronics.

Finally, a brief but illuminating collected history of Linux consumer product developments is offered as proof that the tipping point has been reached. L1 Panelists include representatives from Texas Instruments, Real Networks, and MontaVista Software. Value propositions and pitfalls in these developments will help layout the requirements for successful products as the embedded Linux stream moves from brook to river to flood.

“Linux is rapidly becoming the leading operating system for consumer electronics products which are being designed with more and more embedded software,” said Dr. Inder Singh, ELC Chairman and CEO of LynuxWorks. “Our program selection for CES reflects the critical areas of interests as expressed by product manufacturers and system integrators. We have taken steps to assure the highest possible quality of speakers and panelists for each topic.”

“Operating system software is a critical consideration for a rapidly growing list of consumer electronic products,” said Karen Chupka, vice president of events and conferences for the Consumer Electronics Association, the producer of CES. “Linux is destined for growth in 2004, and the ELC program gives attendees the information they need to incorporate Linux into their business plans.”

 
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