Monte Vista taps Foundries.io for edge Linux

Business news | April 28, 2022

By Nick Flaherty

Software & Embedded tools IoT

MontaVista Software has teamed up with UK embedded software developer Foundries.io for a ready-to-deploy embedded Linux operating system with commercial grade support and maintenance options.

MVEdge is a version of Monte Vista’s carrier-grade Linux specifically aimed at gateway-style devices for edge computing. This allows system developers to focus on the software on top of Linux, with MontaVista providing the full development environment from source to deployment, including a pre-integrated security framework for the run-time platform, support for production security processes and over the air (OTA) updates. This makes use of the container-based FoundriesFactory build system developed by Foundries.io in Cambridge.

For ARM-based systems, Foundries.io is part of the SystemReady programme that also includes virtual hardware. ARM has just launched its first version with the Cortex-A cores that support Linux in edge applications, allowing system designers to start code development before silicon is available.

The initial version of MVEdge is based on Yocto Project 3.1 user-space baseline, and Linux kernel 5.4, and includes platform support across the major architectures IA/x86, ARM, PPC and MIPS, with custom BSP options provided by MontaVista’s Professional Services team.

MVEdge is flexible in its approach to maintaining the Linux distribution, depending on the end product’s lifecycle requirements. It includes options for different levels of CVE maintenance services, SLA-based support and security configurations up to a certified level for safety/security standards.

Maintenance patches include backported support for the latest security vulnerabilities merged with the stable platform baseline deployed by the customer. This approach keeps devices in the field secure, and greatly reduces the risk of regressions in the code.

“We’re excited to partner with MontaVista to support its new MVEdge product, incorporating the FoundriesFactory DevOps platform” said George Grey, CEO of Foundries.io. “Coupling MontaVista’s storied Linux and services expertise with our groundbreaking approach of using cloud technologies to develop, deploy and maintain Linux software accelerates time to market and delivers new opportunities to OEMs building and deploying secure intelligent devices at the Edge.”

“With MVEdge, we are extremely happy to bring another game-changing product to the embedded Linux market after our MVShield product line” said Iisko Lappalainen, Director of Product Management at MontaVista Software.

“Foundries.io’s innovative technology coupled with MontaVista’s extremely stable, secure, feature-rich and field-proven Linux baseline, will help us solve customer problems previously unaddressed, allowing very fast time-to-market due to an already proven and secure platform, while including an immediate long-term support pipeline and ready-to-go Secure OTA process. This allows our customers to keep embedded devices on the Edge secure and up to date – effectively improving resilience against cyber threats,”

The MV Edge product is available for early access customers immediately with projected General Availability during Q3 2022.

foundries.io