Intel bets on open-source for Internet-ready devices

By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 02:15:00 04/06/2008

SHANGHAI, China – Intel is betting on open source as the platform of
choice in powering a new category of Internet-ready devices.

The chipmaker announced Midinux, a version of the Linux operating
system for a new category of non-PC mobile Internet devices (or MIDs)
that run on Intel's Atom processor.

Intel partnered with Asianux, a consortium of Asian open source
companies led by Chinese firm Red Flag, in developing Midinux.

Midinux is also a result of the Moblin.org Intel's open source project
that would allow open source developers to create applications on
MIDs.

Renee James, vice president and general manager Intel software
solutions group, said Moblin.org is getting strong support, in
particular, from the Asia Pacific open source community.

James stressed the need for an ecosystem for developers, similar to
that on a PC environment, to allow applications to be compatible from
one device to another.

"Every new product category requires a new software environment," said
James in her keynote at Intel's developer forum here. "For MIDs, we
are creating that ecosystem."

Intel also announced a free toolset for software developers supporting
Linux for MIDs available at www.intel.com/software/products/mid

Device makers, including Aigo, Clarion, BENQ and Lenovo, will release
Moblin-based products soon, Intel said.

Software makers Adobe, Real Networks and more than 40 others ISVs are
likewise making their products compatible with Moblin-based devices,
according to Intel.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20080406-128687/Intel-bets-on-open-source-for-Internet-ready-devices

Bookmark/Search this post with:

 •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •