BlueCat Linux Supports ARM Microprocessor Cores

SAN JOSÉ, Calif., August 21, 2000—LynuxWorks, Inc. today announced that its BlueCat™ Linux® operating system now supports the ARM® architecture. The current release of BlueCat Linux, version 3.0 supports the ARM710T™, ARM720T™ and StrongARM® microprocessor solutions.

This latest version of BlueCat Linux provides the heart of a single-source code strategy for consistent and tested performance and functionality across all embedded CPU families. With BlueCat Linux 3.0, embedded developers are free to select the architecture that is appropriate for the cost, performance and functionality of their intended architecture. Applications developed on one BlueCat Linux CPU platform can be immediately migrated to a different platform for follow-on, or 'cost-down' projects.

ARM processors share a common object code format and similar bus and peripheral interfaces. ARM technology is widely used in highly integrated system-on-chip designs to provide high performance and long battery life in handheld products. The ARM710T™ and ARM720T™ solutions are high performance, low power 32-bit RISC processor cores incorporating the Thumb® extensions. The 16-bit compressed instruction set and code density reduces memory and power requirements—achieving 32-bit system performance at 16-bit system costs.

The StrongARM family of processors deliver the high performance that advanced convergence applications need for routing, high level protocol management and to provide enhanced levels of performance and throughput for Java applications, multimedia devices and intensive applications like speech and handwriting recognition.

Next-generation ARM processor cores will be supported as they are released. The rapid support of these new ARM CPUs is facilitated by the unique BlueCat Linux software architecture. Intel's next generation of StrongARM technology is expected to deliver two to three times the performance of current StrongARM solutions while keeping power consumption below one half watt.

"BlueCat Linux for the ARM architecture will provide a strong open source development platform for the creation of low-cost, low-power ARM Powered™ consumer devices," said Rod Crawford, director of Third Party Software products for ARM.

"BlueCat Linux provides an open software platform for leading embedded processor families," said Art Swift, President and COO of LynuxWorks, Inc. "Our new release will accelerate development of new applications, including audio and digital imaging, video appliances and kiosks, web-enabled cell phones, highly intelligent point-of-sale (POS) terminals, residential gateways, navigation systems and others."

About LynuxWorks

LynuxWorks, Inc., formerly Lynx Real-Time Systems, is a developer and supplier of Linux and real-time operating system software for reliable and high-performance embedded computing applications. LynuxWorks supports industry standards in communications, avionics, automotive, office automation and process control systems worldwide, enabling customers to leverage their investments in software and education. LynuxWorks products include the open-source BlueCat Linux and the scalable, Linux-compatible LynxOS® real-time operating system; software frameworks for high-availability systems; development tools and technical support worldwide.

LynuxWorks and BlueCat are trademarks and LynxOS and Lynx Real-Time Systems are registered trademarks of LynuxWorks, Inc. Other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective holders.

LynuxWorks press contacts

Kirsten Long Director, Marketing Communications LynuxWorks, Inc. USA +1 408-979-4404	Barbara Stewart Patterson & Associates USA 480-488-6909
Hamid Mirab Managing Director EMEA LynuxWorks Ltd. United Kingdom +44 208-906-9506	Peter van der Sluijs Neesham Public Relations Europe +44 1442-879222