Linaro Ltd, the collaborative engineering organisation developing open source software for the ARM architecture, has announced the launch of the Linaro Internet of Things (IoT) and Embedded (LITE) Segment Group.
According to a post on its official blog, LITE will focus on delivering end to end open source reference software for more secure connected products, ranging from sensors and connected controllers to smart devices and gateways, for the industrial and consumer markets.
Product vendors today are faced with a proliferation of choices for IoT device operating systems, security infrastructure, identification, communication, device management and cloud interfaces. Vendors in every part of the ecosystem are offering multiple choices and promoting competing standards. Linaro and the LITE members will work to reduce fragmentation in operating systems, middleware and Cloud connectivity solutions, and will deliver open source device reference platforms to enable faster time to market, improved security and lower maintenance costs for connected products.
Initial technical work will be focused on delivering an end to end, cross-vendor solution for secure IoT devices using the ARM Cortex-M architecture. This will include a bootloader, RTOS platform, security, communications, middleware and a choice of application programming tools. LITE will also work on Cortex-A based smart device and gateway solutions for IoT using Linux.
“Linaro has been very successful in hosting collaboration within the ARM ecosystem to reduce fragmentation and deliver new open source technology into multiple markets, from mobile and digital home to networking and the enterprise data center,” said George Grey, Linaro Chief Executive Officer. “We see an opportunity to apply the same skills to the rapidly emerging IoT software market, and we intend to work with our members to deliver reference open source software platforms that implement non-differentiating but critical features such as end to end security from the device to the Cloud, over the air software updates, emerging IoT standards and protocols, and interfaces to global cloud service providers. This will enable product vendors to focus on their differentiation and value add.”
Image Credit: Linaro