MontaVista Software has upgraded its community website for embedded Linux developers with a variety of new open source components. “Meld 2.0” features a new Meld.org URL, a redesigned interface, rich text editing in forums, improved file sharing, and a new OpenID login system, all running on the Drupal open source content management platform, says the company.

Meld debuted in March 2009 as a collaboration site for anyone doing development of embedded Linux devices, not just for MontaVista Linux developers. The site is said to be open to any embedded Linux developer, regardless of architecture, distribution, or tools.

MontaVista Meld 2.0 main screen
(Click to enlarge)

Meld has signed up almost 2,000 active embedded Linux developers, with over 500 discussions created to date, says MontaVista, now a subsidiary of semiconductor manufacturer Cavium Networks. Key topics include Android development and porting, small Linux footprint, resource and memory management, and multicore development, says the company.

Now available at a new Meld.org URL, Meld 2.0 offers a redesigned interface that offers a cleaner, stripped down appearance. Meld 2.0 continues to provide a forum for developers of all skill levels to connect and share information, ideas, and software around embedded Linux designs, says MontaVista.

Some of the new and planned features for Meld 2.0 include:

• Rich text editing — a broader range of formatting options when posting comments in discussion threads, and for submission of formatted code examples
• OpenID Integration — addition of open source OpenID login system, allowing Meld users to unify login information with other online communities
• Drupal CMS — Drupal open source content management system (CMS), adding enhanced ease of use, and a more extensible platform
• File Sharing — improved file sharing via Drupal modules and roles

Stated Chris Rommel, senior analyst in VDC's Embedded Software and Tools Practice, "As the use of Linux in embedded devices grows, the Meld community continues to offer a compelling environment to find and share information, experiences, and to collaborate on best practices."

Stated Art Landro, president of MontaVista, "MontaVista has always been a major contributor to the Linux community. Sponsoring and launching Meld last year was another step in our community commitment and the launch of Meld 2.0 continues and extends that commitment."

Stated an anonymous Meld user in a quote provided by MontaVista, "I think it is hard to compare Meld to other communities. Meld is just specialized on embedded Linux, which is great. You don't have to Google around. You get it all in one place …"

Availability

Meld 2.0 is available now, with free registration, at its new Meld.org URL, here.

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