A California-based ODM (original design manufacturer) has licensed an embedded Linux operating system from Canadian software specialist and device reseller Empower. ODM Technologies will deploy Empower's LinuxDA Embedded operating system (LEOs) in OMAP5910-based consumer audio/visual products for the ODM/whitelabel market, expected to ship in 2005.

According to Empower, various contracts between the two companies authorize ODM to include LEOs among the design platforms it offers to its customers. The companies will also jointly develop audio/visual products, which Empower will distribute under its “PowerPlay” brand name. Additionally, both Empower and ODM will market PowerPlay audio/video products to their customers for private label/OEM use.

Empower CEO Paul Leung said, “This broadens LinuxDA Embedded O/S's licensing opportunities and exposure with major brands.”

“ODM Technologies is pleased to include LEOs with one of our ODM platforms, to bring our customers an extremely powerful and capable consumer electronics platform,” said ODM CEO Rich Eilenberg.

Empower ported LEOs to the Texas Instruments OMAP5910 platform in September. The company also has a three-year cross-licensing deal with audio software specialist Spherex. And, the company has shown interest in the portable data terminal market.

 
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