New SpyKer traces non-instrumented code

SAN JOSÉ, CA—November 6, 2000—LynuxWorks™, Inc., a provider of open source and true real-time embedded solutions for the post-PC era, today announced the availability of a new breakthrough technology, the SpyKer™ event-trace and visualization tool for software developers building embedded systems with the LynuxWorks LynxOS® real-time operating system, BlueCat™ Linux or other Linux distributions.

SpyKer is the only commercial trace tool that traces kernel events without the need for instrumented kernel and library events and without a special instrumented version of the library. SpyKer can also trace user application events without modification to the application source code, which can save time and speed up time to market.

Programmers must have trace tools to adequately debug software and there are many third-party tools available on the market. The problem with those tools is that they require instrumentation to the source code to get a trace.

"From 12 years of embedded experience, we've learned programmers don't like instrumenting their code, and they don't like to run specially instrumented kernels or link with special instrumented libraries," said Mitch Bunnell, LynuxWorks CTO and author of SpyKer. "You can load SpyKer on to LynxOS or just about any Linux and get valuable kernel traces instantly, without reboot, special kernels or source code modification."

SpyKer collects time stamped events in the operating system kernel, libraries, and application code then displays them to the developer. The tool allows a programmer to understand exactly the actions of a computer system for the purpose of debugging an application program, operating system, or device driver. The tool also allows the programmer to get high precision profile information that can help locate performance bottlenecks. Since SpyKer is compatible with both real-time and Linux operating systems, designers can leverage this tool for use with either or both platforms.

About LynuxWorks

LynuxWorks™, Inc. is a provider of open source and true real-time embedded solutions for the post-PC era. LynuxWorks supports industry standards in communications, aerospace and defense, consumer and business electronics, industrial control systems, Internet infrastructures, automotive/transportation, medical devices, and retail industries. LynuxWorks products include the open-source BlueCat™ Linux; the scalable, Linux-compatible LynxOS® real-time operating system; software frameworks for high-availability systems; development tools and technical support worldwide.

Safe harbor

Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements included in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements". These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that may be projected by these forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the consummation of the contemplated transaction, including the risk that required regulatory clearances or shareholder approval might not be obtained in a timely manner or at all. In addition, statements in this release relating to the expected benefits of the contemplated transaction are subject to risks relating to the timing and successful completion of technology and product development through production readiness, integration of the technologies and businesses of LynuxWorks and ISDCorp, unanticipated expenditures, changing relationships with customer, suppliers and strategic partners. Neither company undertakes an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

LynuxWorks and BlueCat Linux are trademarks and LynxOS and is a registered trademark of LynuxWorks, Inc. All other trademarks and product names are the property of their respective holders.

LynuxWorks press contacts

Kirsten Long Director, Marketing Communications LynuxWorks, Inc. USA +1 408-979-4404	Dave Reddy Weber Shandwick USA +1 650-868-4659	Peter van der Sluijs Neesham Public Relations Europe +44 1442-879222
Hamid Mirab Managing Director EMEA LynuxWorks Ltd. United Kingdom +44 208-906-9506	Elvia Soltero Weber Shandwick USA +1 408-685-0614