eLxr launches edge-to-cloud Linux
The eLxr project has launched its first release of a single version of Linux that works from the edge right into the cloud
eLxr Linux is fully open source and is based on the Debian distribution with a small footprint and low latency operation for both enterprise and embedded developers.
The project plans to expand these for a streamlined edge-to-cloud deployment approach. eLxr is an open source, enterprise-grade Linux distribution that addresses the challenges of near-edge networks and workloads. eLxr Linux can be downloaded here.
Over the past decade, “build from source” solutions such as the Yocto Project and Buildroot have been favoured for enabling various use cases at the intelligent edge and used by companies such as Wind River. Traditional methods of building embedded Linux devices, which offer extensive customizations and the ability to generate a software development kit (SDK) providing a cross-development toolchain, have allowed developers to maximize the performance of resource-constrained devices while offloading build tasks to more powerful machines.
However, the increasing connectivity demands of edge deployments, including over-the-air (OTA) updates and new paradigms such as data aggregation, edge processing, predictive maintenance, and various machine learning features, necessitate a different architectural approach for both near-edge devices and servers.
The eLxr project is a community-driven effort dedicated to broadening access to cutting-edge technologies for both enthusiasts and enterprise users to use from the edge to the cloud. The project produces and maintains an open source, enterprise-grade Debian-derivative distribution.
eLxr relies on a smaller footprint for better performance, optimized workloads, and smaller attack surface for resource usage efficiency. It provides all required features and attributes, considering best usage of system resources, with the option to augment functionality based on large, Debian-compatible package repositories.
It can be used for applications with stringent timing requirements, using preempt-rt kernel configurations to prioritize low-latency responses, ensuring that tasks are executed within precise time boundaries. This provides better determinism and predictability compared to a standard Linux kernel.
By emphasizing ease of adoption alongside open source principles, eLxr aims to attract a broad range of users and contributors who value both innovation and community-driven development, fostering collaboration and transparency and the spread of new technologies.
The eLxr project is establishing a robust strategy for building on Debian’s ecosystem while also contributing back to it. The ability to release technologies at various stages of Debian’s development lifecycle and to introduce innovative new software not yet available in Debian highlights eLxr’s agility and responsiveness to emerging needs.
This results in using multiple distributions, creating a heterogeneous landscape of operating environments and increasing complexity and cost. Such complexities impose significant burdens — the need to monitor for critical vulnerabilities (CVEs) and bugs, use of additional software boll of materials (SBOMs) and diverse update cadences, and many other challenges.
The eLxr project chose Debian for two primary reasons: Debian’s staunch defense and adherence to the open source philosophy for more than 30 years and its embrace of derivative efforts.
Embedded Linux processor tap microcontrollers for code, peripherals
Debian encourages the creation of new distributions and derivatives, such as eLxr, that help expand its reach into various use cases. Debian sees sharing experiences with derivatives as a way to expand the community, improve the code for the existing users, and make Debian suitable for a more diverse audience.
Wind River contributed the initial release as a first step, and eLxr is envcouraging developers to work in the community.
There will be a meeting of the community at the Open Source Summit Europe in Vienna, Austria, September 16–18, 2024; and at the Open Source Summit Japan in Tokyo, October 28–29, 2024.
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