Tracing the evolution - Open source & Embedded systems
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The document discusses the evolution of open source and embedded systems, highlighting key milestones such as the development of the Linux kernel and the growth of community-driven software. It emphasizes the transition from a niche interest to a viable business model for open source products, with various business strategies emerging. The text concludes with the assertion that open source is now essential for engineers and entrepreneurs, offering significant benefits in product development and management.
Tracing the evolution - Open source & Embedded systems
- 1. “Tracing the Evolution” Open Source & Embedded Systems Jayakumar Balasubramanian Director, Emertxe Information Technologies b.jayakumar@emertxe.com Presented at Lounge47.in 8th March 2014 Copyright @ Mr. Jayakumar Balasubramanian, Emertxe
- 2. Some motivation.. Personal experience: Install, Crash, re-install, Crash – “Dorm-room” experiences! “Migration to Linux” – Lingering over a decade now Its everywhere – Device, Pipe and Cloud services Viewpoint: Open Source & Embedded products – Builder’s view Lab prototype v/s mass production – How different or same they are? Managing open source with open source – Recursion?
- 3. Tracing the evolution - Open Source
- 4. How it all started? With GNU (GNU is not UNIX) Richard Stallman made the initial announcement in 1983, Free Software Foundation (FSF) got formed during 1984 Volunteer driven GNU started developing multiple projects, but making it as an operating system was always a challenge During 1991 a Finnish Engineer Linus Torvalds developed core OS functionality, called it as “Linux Kernel” Linux Kernel got licensed under GPL, which laid strong platform for the success of Open Source Rest is history!
- 5. How it evolved? Kernel Applications Customization Multiple Linux distributions started emerging around the Kernel Some applications became platform independent Community driven software development started picking up Initially seen as a “geek-phenomenon”, eventually turned out to be an engineering marvel Centered around Internet Building a business around open source started becoming viable Redhat set the initial trend in the OS business
- 6. Where it stands now? OS Databases Server/Cloud Enterprise Consumer Education CMS eCommerce
- 7. Business models Consulting & Support • Charge for specific consulting service offering • Technical installation, customization and support Dual License • Distribution under two sets of terms and conditions • Community and Commercial editions Partner program • Developer/Partner ecosystem • Hosted as a platform Donations • Address a non-commercial need • Create a donation system and raise funds
- 8. Licensing blues.. Copyright and Copy left GNU General Public License (GPL) Freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve (“Free” = “Freedom”) != “Free Beer” Commercial distribution Reciprocation Derived work
- 9. Inflection Point – Linux Kernel
- 10. Kernel history
- 11. Embedded + Kernel Non x86 architectures in Embedded Systems Secure and portable monolithic architecture Supports multiple instructions (ARM, MIPS, PPC etc…) – ideal for Embedded Quality and reliability of code Communication protocols and software standards Cost and Time-to-market advantages Vendor independence
- 12. Engineering marvel * Source: Linux foundation report, 2013
- 13. Why so? Product features into Kernel, wider adaption Higher interest from semiconductor companies Global development model, leveraging talent Influencing ability Organizational brand Bottom line: It no longer a geek phenomenon. Can’t afford to miss this any more
- 14. Embedded products using Open Source
- 15. Three aspects Build Qualify Manage & Release What do I want to build? How am I doing to build? How to I test and qualify the product? How to I manage the product and release to my customers? • Building ‘lab prototype’ is different from ‘mass manufacturing’ • Application product building doesn’t suite Embedded
- 16. Step-1 : Build Choice Points • Which version of Kernel? • Which development environment? • Tool chain • Drivers and binaries • Support and training Key actions: • Download Kernel: http://www.kernel.org • Develop BSP (if required) • Build the image (Use Build-root or Yocto) • Add custom functionality • Development & Coding
- 17. Step-2 : Qualify Code & Build Code quality TestSecure & Scale Automate Diagnostics
- 18. Step-3 : Manage Project Mgmt Bug tracking Collaboration Right from setting initial code base, open source tools are available for develop, Qualify and release the final product. There are very useful product/project management tools available to easily manage it.
- 19. Closing notes.. Its no longer a “geek phenomenon”! For new product ideas all of us (engineers, enthusiasts and entrepreneurs) can rely on Open Source and its associated ecosystem Excellent product/project management tools are available to monitor, track and launch commercial Embedded products Qualification is a very mature area in Open Source, which MUST be leveraged Obvious benefits in terms of – Cost, Time-to-market, Support and a sense of contribution
- 20. Tux Rocks!