LynuxWorks Unveils Next-Generation Separation Kernel and Embedded Hypervisor

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LynxSecure 2.0 enables concurrent execution of different OS environments on today's powerful multicore processors

EMBEDDED WORLD 2008 EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE, NUREMBERG, Germany, and SAN JOSÉ, Calif., Feb. 26, 2008—Previewing its latest innovation in secure embedded computing, LynuxWorks™ Inc., a world leader in embedded software, today unveiled LynxSecure 2.0, its next-generation separation kernel and embedded hypervisor.

Designed to take advantage of today's and tomorrow's advanced hardware architectures, LynxSecure 2.0 virtualizes the underlying hardware to enable multiple different operating systems (OS) to coexist on the same platform. This ability to consolidate heterogeneous OS environments enhances the ability to offer a diverse array of applications on a single processor, which reduces hardware costs and allows for easier reuse of legacy software.

Embedded hypervisors allow for traditionally non-real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as Linux or Windows to co-exist on the same hardware as a more traditional RTOS, such as LynuxWorks' flagship product, LynxOS. A separation kernel's primary function is to partition system resources among those "guest" operating systems, sequester data and control the flow of information among partitions. Because LynxSecure's separation kernel and hypervisor are small and efficient, they maintain hard real-time characteristics and determinism for real-time applications and give non real-time applications their own time slice of the processor. Paired, the two technologies provide a robust foundation for the creation of multi-level, secure systems.

For example, with aircraft becoming more connected to the world at large, it is possible that Internet availability will be a requirement in the cockpit. Until now, this would have required an additional computer system to ensure this capability was separate from the flight controls. By using an embedded hypervisor, the web browser could run in its own secure partition running on Windows or a Linux guest OS, with the hypervisor and separation kernel making sure that any possible threat or fault is contained, and will not affect the safety-critical cockpit systems.

"Hypervisors might be the hot topic in computing these days, but LynuxWorks is no newcomer to this technology," said Gurjot Singh, CEO, LynuxWorks. "With the introduction of LynxSecure 2.0, we are once again demonstrating that LynuxWorks is an industry leader in technology innovation. LynxSecure 2.0 enables the creation of multi-level systems with advanced security needs, such as those commonly found in the military and other high-security industries, such as medical, financial services and industrial control."

LynxSecure 2.0 builds upon its predecessor, and continues to offer the ability to run on any 32-bit or 64-bit MMU processor, provides 100 percent application binary compatibility between a standalone OS and its virtualized version. Like all LynuxWorks' products, LynxSecure is based on open standards but it also offers the highest real-time safety and security methods, conforming to the MILS standard and certifiable to DO-178B level A.

Other key features in LynxSecure 2.0 include:

• Multiprocessing, which enables developers to take advantage of the latest, multi-core processor designs;
• A lightweight application run-time environment for creating secure applications;
• Device assignment capabilities that allows for specific devices to be assigned to their own partitions and ensure system security when communicating with external devices, and
• Security enhancements for policy definition and enforcement, including controlled communication among partitions.

LynxSecure 2.0 will be available in summer 2008.

About LynuxWorks

LynuxWorks, a world leader in the embedded software market, is committed to providing open and reliable real-time operating systems (RTOS) and software tools to embedded developers. The company's LynxOS family of operating systems offers open standards with the highest level of safety and security features, enabling many mission-critical systems in defense, avionics and other industries. Additionally, LynuxWorks' BlueCat Linux provides the features and support of embedded Linux for companies wanting to use open source technology for their embedded applications. The Eclipse-based Luminosity IDE gives a powerful and consistent development system across all LynuxWorks operating systems.  Since it was established in 1988, LynuxWorks has created technology that has been successfully deployed in thousands of designs and millions of products made by leading communications, avionics, aerospace/defense, and consumer electronics companies. LynuxWorks' headquarters are located in San José, CA.

LynuxWorks is a trademark and LynxOS and BlueCat are registered trademarks of LynuxWorks, Inc. Other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective holders. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

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