The third-largest NEP (network equipment provider) says MontaVista will offer a Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) distribution optimized for a telecom processor module due to ship early next year. Artesyn's KosaiPM is a hot-swappable, single-wide, full-height Advanced Mezzanine Card (AdvancedMC) module for AdvancedTCA blades, MicroTCA systems, and proprietary systems equipped with AdvancedMC expansion bays, Artesyn says.

The AdvancedMC specification aims to leverage AdvancedTCA technologies in smaller form-factor mezzanine cards, according to PICMG, which maintains the specification.

MontaVista announced in September that Artesyn would resell its Carrier Grade Edition (CGE) Linux distribution pre-installed on some equipment. However, CGE for the KosaiPM will be distributed by MontaVista directly, Artesyn says.

Linux vendor neutrality

The KosaiPM module also will also support Wind River's CGL product, Platform for Network Equipment, Linux Edition, according to Artesyn's website. Artesyn in June named Wind River its “preferred, though not exclusive” OS distributor for some products.

However, in its announcement today, Artesyn calls MontaVista “the industry's most field-tested and proven Linux distribution,” noting that it is “the only carrier grade Linux deployed by the world's leading TEMs [telecommunications equipment manufacturers] in carrier networks for over three generations of product.”

Additionally, Artesyn lauds CGE's unique support for both the SA Forum's Application Interface Specifications and the OSDL's Carrier Grade Linux 2.0 requirements. MontaVista first touted this dual-standard support in May.

The KosaiPM AdvancedMC module

According to Artesyn, the KosaiPM module can be used as a control plane processor for optical and wireless infrastructure. Alternatively, it can augment packet processing and routing performance in voice gateways, or enhance protocol processing performance in SS7 and SIGTRAN signaling control points and gateways, the company says.

KosaiPM chipsets and interfaces
(Click to enlarge)

Artesyn VP of Marketing Todd Wynia said, “Embedded Linux is emerging as a dominant platform for building high-availability network infrastructure products.”

MontaVista VP of Marketing Peder Ulander added, “Linux is becoming the platform of choice for many TEMs wanting to leverage cost-effective, off-the-shelf (COTS) components.”

Availability

The KosaiPM is expected to reach general availability in Q1, 2006, and to comply with the EU's RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) directive (2002/95/EC). CGE support will be offered concurrently by MontaVista.

 
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