The rise of embedded processing and the opportunity for open standards

Embedded processing is experiencing rapid growth. More semiconductors are sold for embedded applications than for desktop computers. Processors are found in automobiles, multimedia devices, cell phones, appliances, and soon may appear in paper (or its replacement.) General purpose computing divided the enormous expense of hardware among a large number of tasks. A well-understood, open, standard operating system core is needed if the growth of embedded systems is to continue unhindered. Operating system refer to a massive collection of programs that includes the core operating system, the graphics and user interfaces built on top of it, communications software, and the suite of user applications that are woven throughout. Only the core operating system is relevant to most dedicated devices. Linux is an operating system that is free for anyone to use or modify for their own purpose. Although its most prominent use is in desktop computers, it is used in a wide range of applications including embedded applications and large computer clusters. The principles of operating systems are well known. For desktop computers an open source operating system core may become a world standard.