Natick, MA — (press release excerpt) — Driven by the growth of the Internet and the increasing ubiquity of embedded computing systems, the embedded market is exploding in terms of a proliferation of products requiring embedded technology with new, increasingly complex applications for embedded devices. A new market study by Venture Development Corporation (VDC) forecasts a significant increase in shipments for embedded GNU/Linux operating systems, software development tools, and related services.

VDC research reveals that use of embedded GNU/Linux operating systems is increasing as developers seek access to source code, reduced licensing costs, and the reliability, networking support, and modularity of the operating system. The open source community represents a powerful movement and development model in the computer industry, driving innovation by providing a robust body of software offering solutions to many different problems. Open source licensing offers embedded developers reduced development costs, reduced product costs, and the opportunity to get their product to market quickly.

Worldwide Shipments of Embedded Linux OSs, Software Development Tools, and Related Services, 2000-2005
“Embedded Linux vendors, such as Lineo, MontaVista, Red Hat, and LynuxWorks, are branding distributions and adding value to the platform, while supporting a breadth of microprocessors” says Stephen Balacco, Embedded Systems Analyst at VDC. “Linux vendors have invested in an infrastructure to deliver technical support, maintenance, and a comprehensive suite of professional services for life-cycle support, allowing their customers to focus on differentiating their product.”

While embedded Linux distributions include the standard GNU software development tools (i.e., compilers, linkers, debuggers, etc.), VDC research reveals that a lack of development tools is the most important factor cited by embedded developers inhibiting their adoption of Linux for use in future projects. Embedded developers recognize the benefits offered through these products that drive product development productivity and produce higher quality code, while reducing development costs and critical time-to-market. Leading software development tool companies such as I-Logix, Metrowerks, Green Hills, IBM, and others have recognized the increase in interest from embedded developers in using Linux and are strategically adapting their product offerings for use with Linux in embedded projects. VDC expects that the trend toward software development tool companies supporting Linux will continue, or else they will miss the market opportunity that embedded Linux presents.

Report Availability

The title of VDC's new study is Linux's Future in the Embedded Systems Market. Findings are based on surveys mailed and e-mailed to 13,000 developers of embedded systems, interviews with engineers, product managers and CTOs at leading software vendors and equipment manufacturers, and extensive secondary research. VDC research includes: a global forecast of revenue for products and services, segmented by region and vertical markets through 2005; global forecast of unit shipments for high growth vertical markets/applications; and makes recommendations for Linux OS vendors. A whitepaper summarizing additional results of the embedded Linux market study is available online, here.

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