Enabling scalable, cloud-enabled CI/CD for embedded systems

As embedded systems evolve, development teams face increasing demands for scalability, security, and compliance while integrating with modern CI/CD pipelines. Traditionally, embedded software development has been constrained by rigid licensing models and complex build environments, limiting the adoption of agile, automated workflows.

IAR’s new cloud-ready platform addresses these challenges. Its capacity-based licensing is optimized for CI/CD, enabling dynamic resource allocation and automated build scaling. The platform is architecture and device agnostic supporting more than 20 architectures, including Arm, RISC-V, Renesas RX and RL78, and Microchip AVR. Seamlessly integrated with Kubernetes, Jenkins, GitHub and GitLab, the new platform allows embedded teams to leverage the same DevOps tools used in cloud-native application development. Moreover, it is cross-platform compatible, supporting Ubuntu, Red Hat and Windows, and enabling Docker containers, virtual machines and self-hosted runners. With its automated build accelerations, the platform reduces compilation times and infrastructure costs while optimizing performance.

“With embedded software playing a critical role in everything from automotive to industrial automation, development teams need the same scalability and automation capabilities that enterprise DevOps teams rely on”, said Thomas Andersson, Chief Product Officer at IAR. “Our platform allows developers to automate builds, enforce security policies, and optimize performance across diverse architectures – ensuring they can move fast without compromising quality.”

Strengthening embedded security in a rapidly evolving threat landscape

Security remains one of the biggest challenges in embedded development, with firmware vulnerabilities, supply chain risks, and compliance requirements increasing in complexity. IAR’s platform takes an end-to-end approach to embedded security, ensuring IP protection, authentication, and regulatory compliance from development to deployment. It includes pre-certified functional safety toolchains for ISO 26262 (automotive), IEC 61508 (industrial), and IEC 62304 (medical) compliance. Furthermore, there are built-in security tools for code authentication, integrity verification, and secure boot implementation. To detect vulnerabilities early and enforce compliance with MISRA, CERT C, and other coding standards, the platform also supports static code analysis with IAR C-STAT. On top, security solutions are available for protecting firmware updates and securing connected devices against cyber threats.

“As regulatory standards like the UN R155/R156 for automotive cybersecurity and the European Cyber Resilience Act reshape the embedded landscape, development teams must integrate security from day one”, said Thomas Andersson. “Our platform provides security by design and includes pre-certified tools for functional safety compliance, without adding complexity to the development process.”

By combining cloud-ready licensing, CI/CD integration, and built-in functional safety, IAR provides a scalable, future-proof solution for embedded development. The platform supports more than 20 architectures, including Arm, RISC-V, Renesas RX & RL78, and Microchip AVR, while ensuring flexibility in deployment across cloud, hybrid, and on-prem environments. Offered as a subscription, the platform gives enterprises greater agility to scale their workflows efficiently.

For more information on IAR’s new cloud-ready embedded software development platform, please visit www.iar.com/embedded-development-tools.