San Luis Obispo, CA — Ziatech Corporation, a leading innovator of applied computing solutions, today announced an agreement with MontaVista Software, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA), that provides an embedded version of the Linux operating system on Ziatech's CompactPCI (CPCI) development systems and single board computers. MontaVista's “Hard Hat Linux” will initially be available on Ziatech's ZT 5082 Development System, a completely configured, rackmount, CompactPCI platform designed to speed application development.

Hard Hat Linux is the first operating system environment to combine the extreme cost-effectiveness, openness and flexibility of Linux with the reliability and responsiveness required for embedded and applied computing applications in telecommunications, Internet and industrial control. MontaVista will supplement the operating system's enhancements with comprehensive technical support, porting and customization services.

“First and foremost, Hard Hat Linux is a supported version of Linux targeted at embedded systems,” said James Ready, Founder and President of MontaVista. “The MontaVista support team has not only extensive Linux experience, but many years of embedded development experience as well.

“As the creator of the CompactPCI architecture, and one of its leading suppliers, Ziatech is ready to play a major role in bringing Linux to applied computing systems,” Ready said.

Hard Hat Linux allows applied computing system designers to benefit from the enormous selection of device drivers, and applications, as well as the functionality of Linux itself. It also provides extensive support for Internet protocols and applications, according to Ready.

According to Jim Eckford, Ziatech's Vice President of Marketing, “Companies choosing the CompactPCI architecture are increasingly interested in using the Linux operating system. By enhancing Linux for embedded and applied computing applications, and then providing experienced technical support, MontaVista is providing a valuable service to Ziatech and its customers.

“Ziatech has worked with MontaVista founder James Ready for several years. He and the rest of the MontaVista team provide extensive embedded software experience, along with an understanding of OEM computing requirements,” said Eckford.

Hard Hat Linux will be available on Ziatech's complete line of CompactPCI computer boards and the company's fast-track development systems. Ziatech begins shipping the ZT 5082 Development System with a pre-configured Linux installation for the ZT 5531 CPU Board with Pentium II Processor at the beginning of August, 1999. Ziatech will also offer complete development toolkits for other CompactPCI processor boards, including the company's ZT 5521 CPU Board with Pentium III Processor, and the CompactNET multiprocessing system, during the third quarter of 1999.

The first version of MontaVista's embedded version of Linux, Hard Hat 1.0, is based on the Linux 2.2 kernel, and is qualified on Ziatech hardware. Special embedded features include headless booting and operation (no keyboard, mouse, video adapter, or display required), and booting and communication over the CompactPCI backplane. Future releases will enhance the real-time response and be configurable to minimize the memory “footprint.” A comprehensive suite of development tools, including optimizing compilers for C, C++, and other languages, high-level debuggers, and performance monitoring tools, will be available on first release.

 
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