Pepper, Ubuntu Linux developers make plans to shrink

Linux & Open Source This newsletter is sponsored by Novell Case Study: Linux improves performance, lowers TCO In this real-world case study, discover how one IT solutions provider switched to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, which enables it to provide high-performance, scalable solutions at more competitive prices while reducing its TCO by 25%. Click here to download this whitepaper. Network World's Linux & Open Source Newsletter, 06/11/07 Pepper, Ubuntu Linux developers make plans to shrink By Phil Hochmuth With Pepper Computer and Ubuntu both pushing their respective embedded OS efforts towards Intel’s Mobile Internet Device platform, it appears the market for ultra mobile PCs is taking a sharp turn towards Linux. Pepper Linux, which runs on the slick Pepper Pad Internet browsing appliance, will be ported to Intel’s MID platform, with the software being available this fall to equipment makers. Ubuntu, already one of the most popular Linux distributions for desktop users, last month announced that its planning a version of its software aimed at Intel’s MID design. The corporate face of Ubuntu, Canonical, last week gave more details on its development efforts. It says Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded Edition could be released this October, with the release of Ubuntu 7.10. Intel’s MID platform includes designs with thumbsized keyboards, seven-inch LCD screens, and chipsets that run between 600MHz to 800MHz. The platform is Intel’s own answer to Microsoft’s vaunted Origami reference design. From servers to storage: Virtualization saves It's touted as one of the fastest and easiest ways to better manage and control your infrastructure. Download this guide today and see how network IT execs are making virtualization pay off in the real world; discover the 8 virtualization gotchas you need to know; and much more. Click here to download. Ubuntu developers say they’re working on giving the Mobile Embedded Edition music and video-playing capabilities, full Web-browsing features, and other features for the “prosumer” demographic targeted by the Intel MID platform (people who want to work and play on the same wireless gadget). Pepper Computing says its software will include e-mail, IM, VoIP and other communications capabilities. The trick is getting the Pepper Linux and Ubuntu slimmed down to a very small software image, and shaving the time it takes the system to boot up. (Under 500MB of flash memory, and 5-second boot times are the goal). Pepper Linux developers should have an easy time porting to Intel MID, since the software was originally built for these types of devices. The Ubuntu development community is extremely active and creative, so it will be interesting to see their slimmed-down Linux edition for Intel MID as well.   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

Contact the author: Phil Hochmuth is a Network World Senior Editor and a former systems integrator. You can reach him at phochmut@nww.com. This newsletter is sponsored by Novell Case Study: Linux improves performance, lowers TCO In this real-world case study, discover how one IT solutions provider switched to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, which enables it to provide high-performance, scalable solutions at more competitive prices while reducing its TCO by 25%. Click here to download this whitepaper. ARCHIVE Archive of the Linux & Open Source Newsletter. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: security.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007