Industrial automation specialist Moxa Technologies has kicked off a partner program aimed at enticing software vendors to build Linux applications for its family of embedded computers. Participants in the “Moxa Software Partner” program will receive extensive embedded Linux resource material, customer referrals, and help building customized applications for special projects, the Taiwanese company says.

Moxa's embedded computers use an open embedded Linux operating system called CoLinux (Cooperative Linux), which is based on uClinux. Its systems are used primarily for front-end industrial control applications, data acquisition, and protocol conversion. It shipped its first embedded Linux products in June of 2004, and has since seen steady sales increases, as well as favorable customer feedback. Its products are simpler and more reliable than traditional industrial PCs, it claims.

Moxa's line of industrial computing products based on CoLinux includes:

Moxa NE-4100T (Click to enlarge)

• Moxa Embedded Network Enablers, compact uClinux-based modules aimed at simplifying the addition of Ethernet and IP connectivity to existing embedded designs. Models include the NE-4000T model with 10BaseT Ethernet, and the NE-4100T model (pictured at right) with 10/100 Ethernet. Models with pin headers rather than surface-mount connectors are also available, including a pin-header models with integrated RJ-45 jacks. Additionally, “command mode” or CMD models allow advanced users to configure various parameters via serial commands.

• Moxa UC-7408 (Click to enlarge)

  UC-7400 Series RISC-based communication platforms — Data acquisition, monitoring, and control systems featuring eight serial interfaces, dual 10/100 Ethernet ports, and PCMCIA and CompactFlash slots. A new UC-7408 model (pictured at right) due in September will add eight DI (digital input) and eight DO (digital output) channels.

• Moxa UC-7110 (Click to enlarge)

  UC-7110 Series RISC-based communication platform — A serial-to-Ethernet protocol adapter based on a 32-bit Samsung S3C2500 ARM9 processor, with two serial ports and two 10/100 Ethernet ports

Moxa says it will provide its software partners with product training, early access to product samples, and invitations to global seminars at which partners may promote their software. The program also includes technical support to help resolve any problems encountered while developing application software for the Moxa systems. Additionally, Moxa says it will work closely with partners on customized applications for special projects.

Moxa says it is especially interested in partnering with vendors that have experience developing applications for vertical markets such as manufacturing automation, retail, medical, power, transportation, and environment monitoring. Potential partners should be capable of developing software for MOXA's embedded computers, and willing to offer customized software based on customer specifications.

An online registration form can be found here.

 
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