[Updated 2:30 pm PST] Rumors have surfaced of an impending acquisition of Lineo (aka Embedix Inc.) by Motorola's Metrowerks software tools subsidiary. Metrowerks is well known for its popular CodeWarrior integrated development environment (IDE), which is used for embedded system… software development. Lineo and Metrowerks have had a long standing strategic partnership including a $22.5 million investment by Metrowerks in Lineo in September 2000.

Dennis E. Powell, editor of the popular Linux and Main website, writes that “the acquisition of Lineo by Metrowerks could be a good fit, say observers who include former Lineo employees.” Powell observes that “as the distinction between cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and wireless computing devices continues to be blurred, the arrival of Lineo in Motorola's stable could make that company more competitive in the cellular phone field that it once nearly dominated.”

Metrowerks' development tools product line already includes two Embedded Linux based products — the CodeWarrior Development Studio Embedded Linux Edition, and the CodeWarrior for Embedix Development System.

Lineo has undergone a series of layoffs and spinouts of former acquisitions during the past eighteen months, culminating in a recapitalization last April.

When contacted by LinuxDevices.com, a Metrowerks spokesperson declined to comment on the company's rumored acquisition of Lineo.

Metrowerks has a market focus in the areas of consumer electronics, transportation, wireless, networking, and communications industries. The company also offers training, developer programs, and custom software engineering. Founded in 1985, Metrowerks is now an “independently operating subsidiary” of Motorola, Inc. Metrowerks corporate headquarters are in Austin, TX.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.