LynuxWorks delivers seamless migration path, system capabilities and lower development cost for wireless industrial communication solutions

SAN JOSÉ, Calif., November 28, 2005—LynuxWorks™ Inc. today announced that B&B Electronics has chosen its BlueCat® Linux and LynxOS® RTOS (real-time operating system) to power its next generation of wireless Ethernet serial servers. B&B's wireless solutions connect data from legacy machinery located at various corners of the plant floor and streamline it to a centrally located office PC, making it easier to monitor production levels and equipment needs. LynuxWorks was selected by B&B because of the flexibility to migrate between LynuxWorks family of open standard base operating systems, enabling B&B to protect their initial investment.

Designed to connect legacy serial equipment to 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks, B&B Electronics Vlinx™ wireless Ethernet serial servers are ideally suited for harsh environments such as manufacturing plant floors where running connected cables is not an option. Based upon the wireless connectivity 802.11b and 802.11g standards, B&B's Vlinx offering combines wireless networking functionality with a proven asynchronous connectivity for real-time data uploads. The products are available in one-, two-, and four-port versions and support all of the most popular interfaces including the RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485.

In an industry where time and cost are essential factors, B&B is leveraging a series of product features and services from LynuxWorks' BlueCat Linux and LynxOS RTOS which include system compatibility, open system interfaces and support from the consulting services team.

With BlueCat embedded Linux, B&B has the flexibility of open-source software that leverages the Linux model and extends its Linux development investment by providing a simple path to migrate to real-time, deterministic performance.

The LynxOS RTOS offers B&B Linux ABI-compatibility for a seamless migration path along with the option to construct a sophisticated real-time system that performs better and comes to market faster than the competition.

In addition, LynuxWorks development tools support both the LynxOS RTOS and BlueCat Linux, which means there are no new tools to purchase and no new learning curves to climb in order to extend code investments across both the open-source and hard real-time worlds. Lastly, B&B was also able to take full advantage of LynuxWorks' custom software bundles and consulting services which guided them through the entire migration process, saving them enormous amounts of time.

"We chose LynuxWorks' operating system for its flexibility and overall compatible nature for supporting applications in the harshest environments," said Robert Paratore, director of Engineering for B&B Electronics. "In the industrial communications market, the ability to deliver simplified and compatible solutions is a must. With LynuxWorks, we were able to capitalize on their product's strengths and deliver a solution that we believe will exceed our customers' expectations regarding performance and flexibility."

"The combination of BlueCat Linux and LynxOS allow companies like B&B to leverage the flexibility and performance capabilities for state-of-the-art applications for the industrial communications market," said Inder Singh, president and CEO of LynuxWorks. "Our solutions deliver the needed reliability for a wide range of demanding environments. B&B is now able to leverage the benefits of the open-source Linux platform and evolve their product line while preserving their initial software investment."

About LynuxWorks

LynuxWorks is a world leader in the embedded software market, providing operating systems, software development products and consulting services for the world's most successful communications, aerospace/defense, and consumer products companies. Established in 1988, the company is a technology leader in the real-time operating systems (RTOS) industry. LynuxWorks' headquarters are located in San José, California.

About B&B Electronics

B&B Electronics is a leading manufacturer of data communication products for industrial automation, retail services and building control fields. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Illinois. They serve over 50,000 customers from all parts of the world. A wholly owned sales and service facility is located in Ireland, serving Europe, Africa and the Middle East. B&B Electronics is a subsidiary of Avtek Corporation, a privately held company in Providence, RI.

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

 

LynuxWorks is a trademark and LynxOS and BlueCat are registered trademarks of LynuxWorks, Inc. Vlinx is trademark of B&B Electronics. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.