LynuxWorks Ships BlueCat Linux 5.0

LynuxWorks(TM) Inc. today announced the general availability of BlueCat(R) Linux(R) 5.0, the company's next-generation embedded Linux operating system. BlueCat Linux 5.0 represents the industry's first commercially available embedded Linux technology based on the recently introduced Linux 2.6 kernel.

BlueCat Linux 5.0 is a single source of stable embedded technology that provides the flexibility and cost benefits of open-source software and allows programmers to take advantage of important feature enhancements in the Linux 2.6 kernel. These new features include improved real-time performance, easier porting to new computers, support for large memory models, support for microcontrollers and an improved I/O system. These enhancements make it an ideal operating system for embedded computing projects, ranging from small consumer electronic devices to large-scale systems.

LynuxWorks qualified BlueCat Linux 5.0 using the stringent ISO 9001:2000 procedures and testing to ensure the highest level of quality and performance for embedded environments. This resulted in fewer software bugs and enabled LynuxWorks to complete the qualification of BlueCat Linux 5.0 ahead of the entire embedded industry. More than 300 companies participated in the Beta testing of BlueCat Linux 5.0, many of which praised the next-generation version for its stability and high throughput.

"Like many developers today, I am increasingly excited about the potential that embedded Linux products such as BlueCat 5.0 offer. It's undeniable that Linux will continue to be at the heart of more and more embedded applications," said Mark Muri, an independent software developer currently contracting with QUALCOMM'S Wireless Business Solutions Division. "When I evaluate new products, things like speed in porting applications are always top of mind. It needs to be easy and functional. In addition, support and quality are essential. I have been impressed with LynuxWorks in terms of its product features and quality, as well as the company's strong customer service orientation. The strength of BlueCat 5.0, even in its beta version, and the scope of the beta program LynuxWorks undertook demonstrate the company's focus on developing customer-driven products that provide top notch quality from the moment they are shipped."

"If the success of our Beta program is any indication, we expect our latest version of BlueCat to play an integral role in driving the next wave of embedded Linux adoption," said Dr. Inder Singh, chairman and CEO of LynuxWorks. "With the official release of the Linux 2.6 kernel last month, developers have been eager to take advantage of the new kernel enhancements and features for their embedded projects. We're proud to be the first embedded software company to deliver on the promise of the new Linux 2.6 kernel and we look forward to working with customers across a variety of industries for their embedded system designs, from consumer electronics to the military and aerospace markets."

"The results of our Beta program were extremely encouraging," added Bob Morris, vice president of sales and marketing for LynuxWorks. "Over the past 15 years, we have developed an extensive suite of tests to qualify our embedded software products prior to public release. With BlueCat Linux 5.0, customers can be confident in their decision to partner with LynuxWorks and know that they are receiving well-tested software for developing their products with the Linux 2.6 kernel."

Pricing and Availability

BlueCat Linux 5.0 is available immediately directly through LynuxWorks, with commercial licenses starting at $8,449. Also available with BlueCat Linux 5.0 are x86/Intel IA-32 pre-configured board support packages (BSPs) to simplify the development process, as well as a comprehensive set of tools for deploying Linux into embedded environments. Additional BSPs will be developed and made available during the following months. To find out new and valuable information on third-party BSP suppliers and LynuxWorks' family of products and development and programming tools, including SpyKer(TM) and VisualLynux(TM), please visit http://www.lynuxworks.com.

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, and a founding member of the Embedded Linux Consortium (ELC). LynuxWorks' headquarters are located in San Jose, California.

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. Contacts LynuxWorks Inc. Kirsten Long, 408-979-4404 klong@lnxw.com or Weber Shandwick Roger Villareal, 415-248-3425 rvillareal@webershandwick.com