TimeSys has launched a custom Linux distribution program aimed at “the thousands of 'roll-your-own' Linux developers” looking for a low-cost starting point for embedded designs. The Built-to-Spec program's online tools allow developers to configure and order custom PowerPC, XScale/IA-32, MIPS, and ARM Linux distributions for… $500.

TimeSys describes its Built-to-Spec distributions as an entry point into its “Linux Customization Solutions,” its term for the range of development tools, distributions, and network services it offers. These include Web-based TimeSys Network tools, such as automated development, build, and validation components aimed at helping developers customize Linux according to the unique feature, footprint, and processor requirements of their embedded projects.

Each Built-to-Spec distribution includes full source code and pre-built binary packages (RPMs) for the following:

• Cross-development toolchain and development packages for the target embedded processor
• Pre-built target root filesystem (and corresponding sources) consisting of a wide range of packages that provide a feature-rich embedded Linux run-time environment
• Linux kernel configured for the specified processor/board
• Evaluation copy of Eclipse 3.0-based TimeStorm Linux Development Suite (LDS) cross-development environment, limited to 14 days

TimeSys's online Built-to-Spec configurator supports the following embedded processors:

• PowerPC:
  • Freescale MPC8XX PowerQUICC I
  • Freescale MPC82XX PowerQUICC II
  • Freescale MPC85XX PowerQUICC III
  • Freescale MPC8XXX
  • Freescale MPC74XX (G4)
  • Freescale MPC7XX (G3)
  • IBM PowerPC 9xx 64-bit
  • IBM PowerPC 7xx 32-bit
  • AMCC PowerPC 440

• ARM:
  • ARM926-EJS
  • Freescale i.MX21
  • ARM920T (coming soon)

• Intel I/O processors:
  • IOP332
    
  • IOP331
    
  • 80219
    
  • IOP321

• Intel IXP4xx network processors:
  • IXP425

• Intel IA 32
  • Pentium III

• MIPS:
  • MIPS32

Michel Genard, executive VP of marketing and business development, said, “Built-to-Spec Custom Linux Distributions are the latest in a complete range of TimeSys offerings that enable developers to take advantage of the open source nature of Linux while maintaining complete control over their designs.”

 
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