Red Hat extends embedded ambitions

Linux distributor Red Hat plans to expand its embedded Linux strategy by porting its development tools and the open source operating system to Cradle Technologies' embedded processor platform.

The agreement includes consulting services and the porting of Red Hat's GNUPro development tools and eCos operating system for the embedded market to Cradle's Universal Microsystem (UMS) platform.

UMS enables developers to create embedded systems by redesigning the software rather than rebuilding the entire chip hardware. A Red Hat spokeswoman said the agreement with Cradle enables the distributor to offer an "end-to-end solution" to embedded device developers.

"The [deal] gives us the ability to leverage many facets of Red Hat from the smallest tools up to making the connection to the server if that's what the company wants," she said.

According to research company IDC, there will be more than 55 million handheld devices around the world by 2002, and shipments of notebook-style information appliances will outnumber PCs by 2004.