Linux gets a boost as Coollogic buys On Channel

The embedded Linux market received a boost yesterday when Internet access appliances developer, Coollogic, announced its planned acquisition of embedded Linux software supplier, On Channel.

Coollogic develops Internet ready appliances and software systems aimed at consumers and businesses. The company said it will immediately begin putting On Channel's embedded Linux and Web interface applications in all of its devices that also support Netscape Navigator. Shipments will begin in several vertical markets by the end of the year.

On Channel was one of the first companies to ship embedded Linux targeted at the Internet applicance and industrial device markets.

Ed Ghafari, vice president of marketing at Coollogic, said: "Embedded Linux enables the Internet community beyond the PC. It liberates information appliances from proprietary operating systems and opens the door for Open source/GPL based applications to run on these devices."

The announcement follows last month's news of another planned purchase by Linux distributor, Red Hat, of embedded compiler developer Cygnus Solutions.