Symmetry's last mailout was Nov 2009 inviting you to meet with a QNX tech out from Canada (Ed) and our CTO (Andy).
We had some good meetings which resulted in plenty of follow up work so we have been busy.
This mail is a short update on:
QNX4, QNX6 progress
QNX4 is now 20 years old. See Guidebookgallery Timelines. if you are interested. Windows 3.0 was released the same year.
QSSL released a new Installation CD for QNX4 late 2009 to update hardware support and provide additional USB drivers. Keeping QNX4 current
is keeping many profitable applications in the marketplace. From IVR systems to massive mill control systems. That's pretty good support from an RTOS vendor.
The x86 architecture for which QNX4 was built is not dead in the embedded market because Intel continues to rise to the challenge
and produce chips that operate well at the lower end. I am talking about Atoms. QNX4 is running nicely on a number of Atom boxes at the Symmetry office.
Foundry27 Project: QNX(r) RTOS v4
This project was started late 2009 to help QNX RTOS v4 users with bug fixes, support for current hardware, a forum for posting technical questions, and an annual update CD that incorporates all new device drivers.
Go to the project.
QNX 6.4.1 is the current release of the QNX Neutrino based OS. This is the RTOS designed to run on the most popular CPU architectures covering embedded to server systems.
These are x86, ARM, MIPS, SH and PPC - so long as you select one with an MMU.
Latest BSPs for the QNX Neutrino(r) RTOS 6.4:
Intel® C++ Compiler 11.1 Professional Edition for QNX* Neutrino*
The Intel high performance compiler is now available free from the Intel web site. It is possible to get 10% to 30% greater performance on x86 platforms.
Download Compiler.
Recient News regarding QNX - QNX CAR
The Intel Embedded Community featured QNX CAR in a blog post on software platforms for in-car computing. There is a short extract below and the link to the full post.
"To help automakers get their IVI designs out of the lab and into production, Intel ECA Associate member QNX Software Systems offers Connected Automotive Reference (CAR), a free application platform that integrates technology from a broad ecosystem to create extensible references for infotainment units and digital instrument clusters. With source code available through Foundry27.com, QNX's community portal for software developers, the QNX CAR architecture provides a reusable base that can support a variety of new capabilities supplying connectivity within the vehicle and to the cloud."
Full post.
Recient News regarding QNX - Multicore
Intel® Architecture Blog discusses the value of QNX Bound Multiprocessing Option. Extract and Full post link below:
"Embedded design teams often have legacy considerations that dictate system design with each revision or evolution. Software is a particular concern. Teams seek to preserve proven algorithms and code even while attempting to take advantage of the latest hardware."
Full post.
Birdstep - RDM Embedded Databases (RAIMA RDMe)
Why are Birdstep still in business? The world is awash with database systems and many are free! Well the simple answer is
PERFORMANCE. Many developers seeing a potential performance issue with using database in their project will often decide that their data is not so complex and so they will elect to use flat files.
This results in a loss of flexibility down the track and is not necessarily going to be as fast as an RDMe database - or as robust.
Companies want their developers to use standards, and they want their product to have the best performance in the marketplace.
The fact that hardware keeps getting faster is not the answer. Why waste that power. (JAVA developers need it :-))
Call me to discuss the feature list of RDMe 9.1 and the Upcoming RDMe 10. There are a lot of goodies in V10.
Education Offerings
Education and Academic research have been supported by QNX for decades. It has just been made
easier and easier while the product has continued to get better. Symmetry will provide training and extra materials. Call us and/or use the link on the right to register and get access fast.
CEBIT Invitation.
We will be at stand number: P02 demonstrating the latest QNX CAR and QNX Smart Energy demos (among others) as well as the Momentics development tools.
Take advantage of the $90.00 saving by registering online now at
http://www.mycebit.com.au
promo code: symmca10
The MAGIC robot competition.
What is it?
http://www.dsto.defence.gov.au/MAGIC2010/
QNX, LEX and Symmetry have sponsored the attempt by the group lead by Strategic Engineering.
http://www.strategiceng.com.au/Magic2010/
QNX Purchased by RIM.
In summary, QNX announced effective, April 9, 2010, RIM has signed an agreement to purchase QNX Software Systems. This acquisition is based on mutual admiration and genuine compatibility. Both companies have similar cultures and complimentary goals in that both are aiming for growth through innovation and superior products & services. QNX will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary and independent business unit of RIM and will continue to serve existing customers and markets.
This is positive news for both QNX and QNX customers, as it allows investment in the expansion of the product and services portfolio. QNX will continue to operate independently, with no disruption to its customer commitments and market initiatives.
The press release Research-In-Motion-to-Acquire QNX has all the salient details of the acquisition.
For more information use the links at the right or contact:
Robert Cameron
Symmetry Innovations Pty.
Suite 7, Southern Cross
House
Turner, Australia
ACT 2612
Tel: +61 2 6248 6611
Fax: +61 2
6248 8383
Email: info@symmetry.com.au
