About

SnapGear Embedded Linux - a new breed of Linux

SnapGear's embedded Linux distribution represents state-of-the-art embedded Linux technology for deeply embedded microprocessors with or without MMU (memory management unit), an important advantage in allowing developers more choice in selection of processors for producing vertical ranges of products. SnapGear embedded Linux is unique in providing commercial quality tool chains and processor support in a freely downloadable open source format.

SnapGear's engineering team has been instrumental in the development of uClinux (a subset of SnapGear Embedded Linux) which has been ported to more than 100 chip architectures, as well as the pioneering implementation of Microsoft's PPTP VPN standard on Linux. SnapGear's embedded Linux distribution runs in more than 20 million devices globally.

SnapGear Linux was devised to solve some common problems that exist for embedded Linux developers today:

• MMUless microprocessors - uClinux has to date been one of the leading approaches to deeply embedded applications. "Normal" Linux simply doesn't run if there is no memory management unit, yet MMUless microprocessors are cost-effective and in wide use. How to modify the kernel for the target processor?
• Libraries - uClibc and other compacted libraries are required for embedded applications. Conventional libraries such as vanilla glibc are often just too big. Which library to select?
• Tool chains - building your application often requires modified compiler and debug tools to match your build target and generally your development environment is not identical to your target environment - that means cross-compilation from a more familiar platform. Where to find the tools?
• MMUful microprocessors - new processors such as the Hitachi SuperH family bring low-cost microprocessors with MMU to the market. However, expertise is required to match a kernel, compiler, and the rest of the toolchain to these targets (many of which are non-x86 compatible). Where to find these packages?
• API standardization - the Linux API represents a meeting point for Unix, Linux and POSIX APIs. Although it is tempting to switch to a proprietary API to solve short-term problems the smarter developers understand the important of a stable, mature API that will facilitate new product development and the maintenance of those products while providing a future-proof path. Where to find these APIs?
• Cost - many commercial distributions exist for embedded Linux (and Linux-like) systems - all at a hefty price tag. Where to find a distribution that is commercial-grade but at an open source price?

Bringing all of these together in one place is SnapGear Embedded Linux - a distribution for the 21st century.

uClinux and Linux

uClinux (www.uclinux.org) consists of a set of patches to the 2.4 and earlier Linux (www.kernel.org) kernels to provide support for microprocessors lacking a memory management unit (MMU). Since the Linux 2.5 kernel a number of these patches are being rolled into the mainstream development kernel. Over time we expect that there will be conceptually a single Linux kernel source base that can be used to build for a variety of processor architectures. Even when that day arrived there is still going to be a need for SnapGear Embedded Linux to bring together embedded development expertise, toolchain, library and multi-architecture support which is all needed for an embedded development environment. Save time and money, download or buy a SnapGear Embedded Linux source and executables today!

About SnapGear

SnapGear is emerging as a global leader in applying open source and network security technologies to develop unique security appliances and custom embedded solutions for commercial, industrial and enterprise applications.

Initially started in 1995 as Moreton Bay, the company focused on OEM solutions and provided security services to Fortune 500 companies. In 2001, SnapGear was incorporated and today SnapGear develops and manufactures a complete line of Internet security solutions that provide access security and transaction security for small, medium and large enterprises.

Our market opportunity lies in the ongoing growth of the Internet combined with the rapid increase in security consciousness. The Internet is becoming a cost-effective and transparent communications environment but the rapid growth of the Internet far outpaces the security measures required to safely do business. SnapGear secures the edge so that devices may be safely attached to the Internet for a variety of purposes requiring network access free from interference.

SnapGear is set to become the leading global supplier of fully featured, cost-effective Internet access and VPN produ cts and technologies, which our channel and OEM partners use to deliver security solutions to their small to medium ente rprise (SME) customers.

For more information about SnapGear please visit the main About SnapGear page

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