* Novell's SuSE Linux Enterprise Real-Time Edition
Novell wants to expand its reach into the Linux market, with plans to release a real-time version of its SuSE Linux operating system in October, according to published reports.
Novell is reportedly readying SuSE Linux Enterprise Real-Time Edition (SLERT) in October. The software will be designed to operate computer equipment such as manufacturing control equipment, medical devices or electronic automobile systems. Wall Street firms are also reportedly interested in Novell’s real-time Linux as a way to gather and compute market data faster than competitors using non-real-time computers.
MontaVista Software and WindRiver are among the leaders in real-time Linux operating systems. MontaVista makes Linux systems that run in a wide array of industries – from package scanning machines, to slot machines. WindRiver, which has a widely-installed proprietary real-time operating system, in addition to a Linux-based version, has a strong presence in the military and aerospace; it’s software powered the Mars Exploration Rover.
The difference between regular Linux and real-time is the latency. Normal Linux systems can respond to events as quickly as 600 microseconds. In real-time Linux, the reaction time of interrupt handlers – modules in the operating system that cause the computer hardware or software to react to input or other events – is in the sub-15-microsecond range. This quick reaction time is not needed for desktop computing, but very necessary for computerized systems such as anti-lock breaks on a car. This kind of computing is obviously very different from Linux server or desktop operations. To assist development and marketing, Novell is partnering with a firm called Concurrent, which specializes in real-time Linux.
While Novell is charging hard against Unix and especially Windows in the server and desktop markets, real-time, or embedded operating systems are a potentially big opportunity. Analysts estimate the market to be worth around $100 million.
