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QNX Opens Platform for Developers
To kick off its new initiative, QNX Software will let developers download the new QNX Realtime Platform free for non-commercial use, and will release source code for many QNX applications, drivers, and libraries. It has also launched a self-supporting QNX developer's network to encourage thousands more developers and ISVs to join the growing QNX community. In addition, QNX Software has integrated a high level of Linux compatibility into its new platform so that Linux developers will feel right at home. As a result, e-device builders can now leverage the enormous pool of Linux talent, while building their products on reliable, market-proven QNX technology. QNX's strategy also includes a new approach to source licensing: an "accessible source" model that delivers benefits of an open-source OS, while enabling e-device developers to maximize system security and maintain ownership of their intellectual property (IP). "Our goal is simple: to have the QNX platform run in one third of the over 400 million e-devices that, according to market analysts, will ship in 2003," said Gordon Bell, president of QNX. "And to achieve that, QNX is offering something unique: A solution that combines the reliability and efficiency of a true RTOS with all the advantages of a true platform OS - low cost of entry, significantly higher productivity, and APIs familiar to a huge community of developers. Plus, QNX will provide something that no other platform OS can: 20 years' experience serving e-device developers." Building a Developer Community To encourage a large, self-sustaining developer community, QNX is implementing several new programs: an ISV program that gives ISVs commercial access to QNX tools at low cost; a variety of incentives to encourage developers to port or create new QNX technology; and the Get QNXTM program, which provides free access to the QNX Realtime Platform. To support thousands of new developers, QNX is also deploying the new web-based QNX Developer's Network (QDN). With the QDN, users can tap into a complete range of support services - newsgroups, FAQs, technotes, upgrades, free software, plus a knowledge base that provides instant answers to thousands of technical questions. Accessible Source: A Reliable Alternative While e-device builders see the productivity benefits of open source, most have serious concerns about using open-source OS code in their products, citing threats to security, reliability, and potential loss of intellectual property due to GPL licensing. The QNX Realtime Platform addresses these concerns through an "accessible source" model, where source code is publicly available for most modules, but not for those core components critical to the overall quality, security, and reliability of the OS. "Open-source kernel code may have its advantages, but, for the majority of e-devices, it's the wrong model," said Bell. "Rather than burden embedded teams with the time-consuming - and expensive - task of modifying and maintaining kernel code, we offer a more productive approach: an OS architecture that can be extended using application-level tools and developers. It's friendlier, faster, more cost-effective - and much more reliable." A Familiar Platform for Embedded Developers For over a decade, QNX has supported industry-standard POSIX and Unix APIs. Now, to make the QNX platform accessible to even more developers, QNX Software has integrated a high level of Linux compatibility. "Linux developers can be immediately productive in the QNX environment. Better yet, most Linux applications can port easily," said Bell. "Put simply, QNX now provides Linux developers with a highly accessible - and field-proven - platform for targeting the e-device market." Availability Developers are invited to pre-register today for their copy of the QNX Realtime Platform. Visit http://get.qnx.com. The platform will be available in May to selected developers and to all registered attendees of the QNX2000 International Technology Conference (May 14 to 17). The general public will be able to download the platform in midsummer. About QNX Software Systems Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems is the industry leader in realtime, microkernel OS technology. The company has established a strong customer base in a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, telecommunications, medical instrumentation, process control, transportation, point-of-sale, and telephony. QNX products are distributed in over 100 countries worldwide.
Reader Information QNX Software Systems Ltd.
Paul Leroux Matthias Stumpf |
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