Lund, Sweden, April 24, 2000 — Axis Communications announced today the first open source code for the Journaled Flash File System (JFFS), which allows Linux devices to store information on Flash-ROM's. This production quality filesystem, developed by Axis, is ideally suited for designing embedded systems without hard drives, such as emerging network and mobile devices, because it provides crash-safe… memory and supports fast system boot-up. The source code is freely available to the open source community, released under the GNU General Public License (GPL) on the Axis developer Web site (developer.axis.com).

“Red Hat is very excited about Axis' development of the JFFS. We believe that it will bring great value to the embedded environment,” said Paul Beskeen, director of engineering, Red Hat, Inc. “As we enter into next-generation computing, the power of open source will drive the development of Internet appliances and embedded devices. Developers can take advantage of these advancements, through Red Hat's cross-platform open-source development IDE, for creating applications that are portable across a wide range of emerging computing devices.”

Axis Communications Offers JFFS for embedded Linux devices. JFFS is a log-structured filesystem, designed to protect data even after a power failure or system crash. Devices can also be designed to take advantage of “instant on” capability and faster performance because JFFS doesn't require a conventional filesystem check during boot up or accessing data physically from a hard drive. As an additional feature, JFFS extends the life of Flash-ROM's because of wear leveling, a technique that spreads usage across the entire Flash area.

Embedded Systems Pioneer

Axis Communications is dedicated to advancing the use of Linux for new and emerging network and mobile embedded devices. Some recent examples of their innovation in Linux include:

• A Bluetooth driver for Linux that was recently made available to the open source community. This development opens the world of Linux to mobile applications using Bluetooth, a technology for wireless communications between mobile phones and other portable devices.
  
• In February, Axis was the first to the market with a single-chip Linux thin server, designed to run embedded Linux for a wide range of networked and embedded applications. This “system-on-chip” solution available to developers, along with evaluation boards, detailed reference design, source code, tools and drivers for embedded Linux.
  
• Axis introduced last November one of the first hardware products ever shipped with embedded Linux — the AXIS 2100 Digital Network Camera. This compact camera has a built-in Linux Web server, connects directly to Ethernet or to a modem and includes everything needed for capturing and transmitting high-quality video images over data networks and the Internet (no PC needed).

Axis Communications Offers JFFS for embedded Linux devices.

More about Axis' JFFS

Axis' JFFS is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and its current version works with a Linux 2.0 kernel and memory-mapped industry-standard flash memories, such as NOR-flashes. Additional improvements, such as port to Linux 2.2+, support for NAND-flashes, community patches and bug fixes will be published when available. The software is available as a free download from the Axis developer site (developer.axis.com). Axis is also providing a developer mailing list for those interested in helping to develop the code or desire the latest information. To subscribe to the jffs-dev mailing list, e-mail [email protected] and include in the body of the e-mail: subscribe jffs-dev

About Axis Communications

Axis Communications is a leader in network connectivity and an emerging player in wireless communications and value-added Internet-based services. The company develops and markets solutions that enhance peoples' communication and interaction with information over network and wireless devices. These solutions provide conveniences and services that empower individuals and improve the overall effectiveness of organizations. Founded in 1984, Axis employs over 350 people worldwide. Axis has its headquarters in Lund, Sweden and offices in 17 countries including the United States, Asia and Europe.

Related stories . . .

Crash-safe filesystem for diskless embedded devices
ETRAX — a 1-chip Post-PC Linux thin server
Axis releases Bluetooth for mobile & embedded Linux
New Network Camera has Linux Inside

 
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