Korean embedded Linux technology provider PalmPalm Technology was profiled in a recent article that appeared in The Electronic Times, Seoul, Korea. The translated text of the article appears below, courtesy of PalmPalm Technology.

July 21, 2000 — The Electronic Times, Seoul Korea

A Visit to a Firm with Firm Specialty — PalmPalm Technology

. . . Ambition to become the 'Gorilla' of the Embedded Linux Industry

PalmPalm Technology (www.palmpalm.com) is one of the very few enterprises that have [developed] technology related to Embedded Linux which can be applied to . . . Internet Appliances. PalmPalm has recently been drawing attention, having announced “Tynux” — an Embedded Linux OS for smart phones (or high-end cellular phones).

PalmPalm Technology pioneered the development of Embedded Linux since 1998, when the term, 'Embedded Linux' itself had been unfamiliar. Dr. Kerny Choe, President & CEO of PalmPalm Technology, stated that his fascination with the various merits that Linux possess led him to jump into this business.

“On founding our company, we concentrated on developing car navigation systems and Internet appliances. Proceeding with the project however, we realized that the utmost importance lay in the software platform needed to develop application software programs for the Internet appliances. Linux proved to be the most appropriate software platform demanded by the Internet Appliances. Moreover, the fact that many researchers and developers worldwide are continuously involved in producing appropriate software components will attribute to shortening the period of completing the development of the Internet Appliances Linux. I also liked Linux because as it traveled from UNIX, it makes it easier for one to find human resources to develop application software”.

On completion of its development, which will be very soon, PalmPalm Technology will distribute market total solution like Embedded Linux Development Kit that can be used to develop software programs and hardware devices loaded on to each Internet appliances. In cooperation with SK Telecom, PalmPalm Technology plans to introduce to the market late this year, Linux-embedded CDMA smart phones. Electronic Books are also to be introduced in alliance with Milletech. Also in the future, Embedded Linux for set top boxes and for web screens are to be developed.

Last June, PalmPalm Technology was the sole Korean Company participating in ELEC (Embedded Linux Exhibition & Conference) held in San Jose, USA. There, many acknowledged PalmPalm's technology.

In cooperation with Linux Application companies, PalmPalm Technology established its unique business model, which seeks to supply to the Internet Appliances vendors or OEMs, the company's self-reengineered Embedded Linux OS as well as third party application software such as web browser, electronic mail and PIMS. Having put these software programs integrated into the OS, this model seeks to provide all kinds of software needed by Internet Appliance companies, from Platform to Application. Nevertheless, these software programs will be provided at a moderate price to enhance the competitive advantage of these Internet Appliance companies. Revenue for PalmPalm Technology on the other hand will come from providing technological support such as upgrading software programs.

President Choe emphasizes the infinite growth potential that Embedded Linux embodies. “Asia will be one of the the world's core in the field of Internet appliance and Internet information-related home appliances. Here, the soil is fertile for future development of Embedded Linux. If we utilize this competitive advantage, the Embedded Linux developed [within the] Asia region will be able to set world standards.” President Choe firmly believes that PalmPalm Technology will be at the center of that process.

Reprinted by Permission, Article written by Kim In-jin ([email protected]), Reporter for The Electronic Times, Seoul Korea

 
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