Charles J. Murray reports on the Embedded Linux Consortium meeting last week at ESC in San Francisco. Introducing a critical point of view from one Embedded Linux vendor, Murray writes . . .

“The consortium's members, which number more than 120 companies, want to formulate a standard specification because they see it as a platform for the creation of new Linux-based applications and, therefore, as a launching pad for Linux in the embedded world. By creating a unified platform, Linux-based product vendors hope to make it easier for developers of personal digital assistants, set-top boxes, telematics systems and other embedded products to have a range of technical choices. Moreover, they want to ensure that no single software company, such as Microsoft or Wind River Systems, can dominate the embedded market.”

” . . . one company in their ranks has begun questioning whether their goal of a common platform specification is being realized quickly enough, or whether it is even worthwhile anymore . . . [Tim Bird of Lineo] contends that the organization may be missing a critical window of opportunity because it is falling victim to the indecision and inertia that often befall consortia.”

“. . . [Murray Shohat, executive director of the ELC] said that most members thought a strong IPA was worth the wait. 'Even the ones with their feet on the accelerator pedal' were in favor of strong protection, he said.”

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