TimeSys Delivers Commercial Support for 2.6.16 with Launch of LinuxLink 2nd Edition; LinuxLink is First to Market with Latest Kernel Support, Major Content Update and Enhancements to its Service-Oriented Architecture.

PITTSBURGH -- TimeSys(R) Corporation, the leading developer service provider for the embedded Linux market, today announced the next generation of LinuxLink by TimeSys(TM) with an unprecedented content upgrade, web-based interface enhancements, and launch of new features that follow rapid growth of the service.

LinuxLink has gained traction by delivering continuously updated resources to embedded developers via Web services. The LinuxLink model embraces the nature of Open Source Linux development with frequent updates and ongoing contributions, while providing commercial integration and support. The LinuxLink subscription continues to deliver value with the latest releases and expanded choice, as well as:

--Validated, 2.6.16 LinuxLink support

--Greater than 30% increase in new and upgraded packages, patches and feature support

--Kernel debugging support (KGDB) across x86, PPC and Xscale

--Commercial-grade RT features such as Priority Inheritance and High-resolution Timers available to LinuxLink Real Time Subscribers

--Web-service and interface enhancements to support content expansion and 70% average monthly growth in Linux Link Developer Exchange interaction

Only LinuxLink can rapidly deliver the latest Linux, validated across x86, PPC, xScale and MIPS architectures - including support for the newest kernel releases, updated packages, patches from semi-conductor partners and the community to effectively support embedded Linux development. With broad coverage across all major architectures, LinuxLink now supports over 70 processors.

"Since the launch of LinuxLink in September 2005, TimeSys has responded to the requirements of its partners and customers with more processor support; increased feature and package availability; and a continued commitment to ensure that technology changes within the Open Source community are rapidly and efficiently delivered to embedded Linux developers," said Larry Weidman, CEO TimeSys. "Developers are embracing LinuxLink. The Developer Exchange support model has gained traction and drawn accolades for providing best in class responsiveness from our semiconductor partners and growing customer base. We are committed to delivering Linux content, developer tools and resources to help LinuxLink subscribers meet their project goals successfully."

LinuxLink 2nd Edition Highlights

First to market with validated 2.6.16 support:

LinuxLink delivers support for 2.6.16 across major architectures within weeks of the latest Linux release. New 2.6.16 features include the integration of TIPC (Transparent Interprocess communication) protocol for Network Equipment Providers and the integration of EDAC (Error Detection and Correction modules) to improve fault-detection and reliability. LinuxLink reference distributions have been rebased to the 2.6.16 kernels. LinuxLink is staying ahead of the development curve by making mainline support for new features available to embedded developers while reducing testing and integration risks.

Major Content Update:

Significant content additions have been made in response to customer requirements for additional features and root file system applications. Source packages have been expanded 33% to 266 and Binary targets with Glibc and uClibc have increased 40% (to 440) and over 400% (to 136), respectively. Expansion of LinuxLink contributed content including device, feature and bug fix patches to 2.6.x kernel versions enables greater choice and flexibility for embedded developers.

Kernel Debugging Support (KGDB):

KGDB is a critical feature requirement for developers of new device drivers and loadable kernel modules. LinuxLink support for KGDB has been rebased to 2.6.16 and validated across x86, PPC, and xScale architectures and supported reference boards and is available as a standard feature for all LinuxLink subscribers.

Commercial Grade Real Time Support:

Real Time (RT) patches to the latest 2.6.16 based stable version are available with LinuxLink Real Time Subscription. Open Source RT efforts led by Ingo Molnar and Thomas Gleixner, include contributions by TimeSys and other community members. LinuxLink 2nd Edition refreshes RT patches to the latest, stable version of the kernel and includes lightweight PI-futexes that enable the implementation of userspace Priority Inheritance support layered on priority inheriting kernel based rt-mutexes, as well as the new hrtimer implementation that enables high resolution timer support on a clean and extensible framework. LinuxLink provides developers who require RT functionality for their design with a commercial grade solution, backed by TimeSys and community experts within the Developer Exchange.

Web-Services Enhancements:

Feature, functionality, user-interface and workflow enhancements have recently been released for LinuxLink and the Developer Exchange in response to increased activity and subscriber feedback. Reorganization of software repository components, documentation and technical resource information were implemented to facilitate the major content enhancements. User-interface and web-services updates will continue to evolve in support of Linux software distribution through a service-oriented architecture.

About TimeSys Corporation

TimeSys is the leading developer service provider for the embedded Linux market, delivering LinuxLink subscriptions that empower developers to rapidly and efficiently create their own commercial-grade custom Linux platform. The continuously updated cross-compiled components, information and systems offered through LinuxLink subscriptions are aggregated from the open source community, semiconductor manufacturers and TimeSys and hosted in the TimeSys Network. For more information, visit www.timesys.com.