RTOS reinvented to address IoT opportunities

As a result of the re-architected system, individual applications can now be updated at any time without requiring a rework or retest of the entire system, increasing scalability and the ability to quickly adjust to market changes. The latest release of VxWorks includes the following new features and enhancements:

• Modularity: New modular approach allows customers to apply targeted, efficient upgrades to packages and protocols without changing the system core which minimizes testing and recertification efforts and allows customers to sustain their systems on the cutting edge of technology.
• Security: Comprehensive set of built-in security features includes secure data storage, tamper proof design, secure upgrade, root of trust, and user and policy management.
• Safety: Enhanced functionality to address the increasing need for safety applications in medical, industrial, transportation, aerospace and defense.
• Scalability: A combination of the microkernel and the standard kernel, built on the same VxWorks platform, allows customers to reduce development and maintenance costs by leveraging one RTOS foundation across different classes of connected devices, from small-footprint consumer wearables to large networking equipment and everything in between.
• Connectivity and Graphics: Support for a broad range of industry-leading standards and protocols such as USB, CAN, Bluetooth, FireWire, and Continua, as well as out-of-the-box, high-performance networking capabilities. The graphics ready platform includes a new highly efficient stack based on the published OpenVG™* API, hardware-assisted graphics drivers and the Tilcon graphics designer tool.

“The IoT has significantly changed the embedded landscape,” said Dinyar Dastoor, vice president of product management at Wind River. “An RTOS must deliver not only the expected core real-time, deterministic performance and reliability, but an entirely new level of value that is demanded by the highly connected, security conscious, remotely-managed IoT world. Our game-changing release of VxWorks 7 and the reinvention of the basic RTOS is a demonstration of our commitment to help companies address the new challenges and opportunities in IoT.”

“OEMs are already responding to the business opportunities and technical requirements driven by the emergence of the Internet of Things,” said Chris Rommel, executive vice president of M2M & embedded technology at VDC Research. “Many of these connected systems require operating systems that offer more flexibility and scalability – while maintaining the determinism needed for mission-critical applications. The new capabilities found within VxWorks 7 address this evolving industry need and should help Wind River maintain its position of leadership within the RTOS market.”