Here is the complete English text of today's press release announcing the launch a Japanese embedded Linux consortium . . .

Over twenty companies, including consumer electronics manufacturers, embedded technology vendors, systems integrators and academia join as founding members of EMBLIX — Japan Embedded Linux Consortium.

July 13th., 2000, Tokyo, Japan — Responding to widespread interest in the Linux operating system for embedded systems, representatives from twenty-four (24) leading companies in Japan, including consumer electronic manufacturers, embedded technology firms and academia today announced the formation of EMBLIX, the Japan Embedded Linux Consortium, a vendor-neutral trade association dedicated to the promotion and advancement of Linux-based solutions in embedded applications.

The EMBLIX group will be actively involved in the domestic and international exchange of technical information and promoting interoperability between peripheral and complimentary technologies for embedded Linux. Funding for EMBLIX's operation will be based on annual membership dues — first year dues are set at (equiv.) US$1,000. An aggressive schedule has been set for the consortium's establishment, membership expansion and implementation of key programs. Membership is targeted at embedded technology firms, academia, research institutions, and Linux users. Membership is free for Academic institutions.

Dr. Tatsuo Nakajima, renowned Professor at Waseda University, has been named as interim Chairman. John Cheuck, Director at TurboLinux Japan K.K. and Y. Paul Kunimine, Director and Vice President at Gaio Technology Co., Ltd.. have been named as interim Vice-Chairmen.

“In Japan, Linux has been mainly recognized for its growing share of the PC server market. Many consumer electronics and device manufacturers are interested in the flexibility and freedom that Linux and open source can bring to their future designs but share concerns around open source; maintenance, support and quality assurance,” said interim Chairman Nakajima. “The Japan Embedded Linux Consortium will be addressing these issues through the cooperation of its members, to educate new users of embedded Linux, in industry and academia, to help them find solutions and continue to promote the success of Linux in the embedded industry” said Nakajima.

“To support and ensure the global development of embedded Linux, EMBLIX will be cooperating with the Embedded Linux Consortium (ELC) in the United States and similar organizations in Europe and around the world,” said interim Vice-Chairman Cheuck. “Specific needs and requirements of the local embedded industry will be addressed by our consortium – consumer electronics, automotive, and manufacturing systems are three areas where Japanese industry is well recognized in the embedded world — our results will be shared globally.” said Cheuck.

Founding 24 members of EMBLIX, include Advanced Data Controls Corporation, Access Co., Ltd., Canon Inc., CATS Inc., Centura Embedded Systems Co., Ltd., Densan Co., Ltd., ERG Co., Ltd., Elmic Systems Inc., FDS Embedded Systems Co., Fujitsu Ltd., Gaio Technology Co., Ltd., Hitachi,Ltd., Lineo Japan, LINUX KOUBOU, Metrowerks Co., Ltd., .Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Montavista Software Japan Co., Ltd., NEC Corporation (NEC Electronic Devices), Red Hat Inc., Toshiba Corporation, Toyohashi University of Science and Technology, Turbolinux Japan K.K., Waseda University, and YDC Corporation.

For membership and general information, please visit www.emblix.org or contact [email protected]

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