Phil Wilshire, of www.RealTimeLinux.org reports . . .

The Real Time Linux Workshop started its three days of talks and discussions at the Institute for Machine and Process Automation in Vienna today Dec 13, 1999. Nearly 100 attendees from all over the globe were present to listen to some of the leading experts in the Real Time Linux field discuss their… work and plans for this powerful extension to the Open Source Linux System.

“Once business gets over the Y2K problem we need to be ready for new challenges” quoted Peter Wurmsdobler opening the session. This conference has been put together to help define the course and direction of Linux in both Embedded and Real Time fields. The first day concentrated on introducing Real Time Linux and presenting some industrial and research applications. The introductory topics included:

• Heavy industry control systems.
  
• Advanced control systems for Space Structures. Adaptive Optic Control for telescopes.
  
• Mobility Aids for the visually impaired.
  
• Low cost Sub microsecond, field programmable hardware.
  
• Device Driver and interface tool kits.
  
• Cardiac Monitor and control systems.
  
• Stand alone systems that can fit on a single floppy disk.
  
• Micro motor testing systems.

Each presenter stressed the speed and ease with which the Linux system was adapted to their respective technologies. Low project start up costs and conformance to standards with a performance to match or beat any other operating system ensured the success of these applications. The projects discussed included research systems and fully operating deployments of multi million dollar projects. The concept that was first released in 1997 at the New Mexico School of Technology (NMT) by Victor Yodaiken and Michael Barabanov has rapidly been extended and refined by many researchers across the globe into an industrial strength real time embedded solution.

Less than two years after its initial release Real Time Linux is the system of choice for many complex design problems and it has also already contributed to the successful deployment of major applications. This is a tribute to the capability of Real Time Linux. The efforts of the Open Source movement are now producing significant returns and benefits to those willing to embrace and extend the technology.

The conference will continue through Wednesday Dec 15. The focus will turn to future plans for this remarkable product. Details of the Workshop and its proceedings can be found by following the link at www.RealTimeLinux.org.

 
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