With device connectivity becoming the rule rather than the exception (practically any electronic device more complex than a flashlight today has some connectivity path to just about every other device on the planet), it makes sense that, like with our desktop computing systems, embedded systems must change to take advantage of that connectivity in both their development and deployment in order to remain competitive. For many engineering teams, the logistics of developing a system that can avail itself of the benefits of a connected-device world are overwhelming, and competitive advantages are left on the table with a nod toward … Read More → "Capitalizing on Connectivity"

Well, it’s been ten years and five versions since then, and baby Windows has busted out of the car seat, learned to walk and talk, and is now kickin’ some serious butt in school. At the MEDC (Microsoft Embedded Developer’s Conference) last week, Microsoft announced the beta version 6 of CE. Over the course of the decade, the demands on embedded RTOS for mobile devices has exploded with wireless connectivity, more complex applications, data-intensive functions such as image, audio, and video, and more client-server type services.

The new version of CE is clearly working to keep … Read More → "Microsoft Rolls Out CE 6"

Then trouble came. Over in the desktop and enterprise development worlds, it seemed, a revolution was afoot. The dominance of the desktop development environment of Microsoft had sewn the seeds of a socialist revolution. A not-so-secret society had spawned a groundswell of collaborative development among several companies and independent software developers who wanted to create an alternative for themselves – to take control of their own development destinies. Following in the footsteps of the Linux phenomenon, Eclipse was born.

Conceived in late 2001, Eclipse arrived as the alternative to the ubiquitous Microsoft Visual Studio series. It is an … Read More → "Eclipsing all Others"

The larger company, however, faces a situation where they can fall victim to the spoils of their own success. Once upon a time, they too were focused, fast-reacting, hard-driving startups. At some point, however, they probably made a major score with a successful product line that propelled them into the big leagues. With that membership card comes a bloat of baggage – support for existing product lines, protection of previously captured market territory, more employees to water and feed, reputations to protect, policies to follow, and legal hurdles to clear. The innovation balance can tip wildly away from their … Read More → "Innovation Big and Small – Chapter 2"

Caffeine, cold liquid, and carbonation re-open Roger’s sagging eyes. His monitor locks back into sharp focus again. His latest unit test run will be done within a couple of minutes. If it passes, he’ll check in the files, kick off a build, and head home for two or three hours of real bed rest before trying to make himself look semi-professional for the presentation at 9AM. He doesn’t want to be too slick. People expect a lead engineer at a startup to have a certain patina.

If the demo goes well and the customer … Read More → "Innovation Big and Small"