Linux distributor Terra Soft, makers of the Fedora-based Yellow Dog Linux (YDL) distribution for the PPC platform, recently announced plans to provide a complete Linux distribution for the TPPC64, a single-board computer developed by Themis. Terra Soft, which once specialized in Linux support for Apple computers, has found several new PPC Linux niches since Apple's unexpected transition to Intel processors.
Terra Soft has cultivated expertise in the field of high-performance grid computing and sells a Linux distribution for unique PPC-based systems like Sony's PlayStation 3. The company also has a lot of experience supporting Linux on IBM's Power architecture, which is probably what makes YDL an appealing choice for Themis. The single-board computers from Themis, which are designed to be extremely shock-resistant, use IBM's 970FX RISC processor. According to Terra Soft CEO Kai Staats, the version of YDL being developed for Themis will include specialized kernel modifications for the Themis hardware.
Single-board computers developed by Themis are generally intended for embedded deployment in military, telecom, and aerospace systems. With the ability to withstand shock loads up to 40G's, the TPPC64 complies with Grade A of MIL-S-901D, the Navy's shock absorption specification for high-impact shipboard machinery. The Navy requires Grade A 901D compliance for "items which are essential to the safety and continued combat capability of [a] ship."
Although the TPPC64 is of little relevance to regular consumers, it reflects the diversity of the Power architecture's applicability and it shows the continuing need for a Linux distribution optimized for PPC. IBM's Power Everywhere strategy certainly hasn't succeeded to the extent that IBM had hoped for, but with IBM's chips in a variety of devices ranging from home gaming consoles to Navy shipboard computers, Power certainly has proven to be versatile.
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