The Linux Foundation, a non-profit organization implementing large-scale innovation through open source, announced the Zephyr™ Project today (local time).

This collaborative project through open source will unite industry leaders to build a real-time operating system (RTOS) for the Internet of Things (IoT).

Initial supporters of the Zephyr Project include Intel and Altera Corporation (acquired by Intel), Wind River, NXP Semiconductors N.V and Freescale (recently merged with NXP), Synopsys, Inc., and UbiquiOS Technology Limited. The Zephyr Project is also encouraging participation from other companies interested in this technology.

Industrial Internet of Things and consumer IoT devices must have scalability and security while maintaining seamless connectivity. Developers also need the ability to achieve innovation on a highly modular platform that easily integrates with embedded devices regardless of architecture type. While Linux has proven widespread success in system operations for embedded development, some IoT devices require an RTOS that can support the smallest memory footprint. This capability of RTOS complements real-time Linux, which demonstrates superior capabilities for time-critical mechanisms and machines that supply core infrastructure for data collection systems, manufacturing plants, and other complex computing systems.

Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of The Linux Foundation, stated, "Today developers have a choice of various platforms. The Zephyr Project will provide a modular, connected operating system that supports even the smallest footprint of IoT devices. We hope developers will participate in the Zephyr Project and help develop a customized embedded open source RTOS to advance IoT. We anticipate that through the project's progress, various collaborations will take place between The Linux Foundation and the community."

Modularity and Security Are Key in IoT Systems
Project Establishes Security Working Group and Security Maintenance Measures

The most important considerations in building systems for embedded IoT devices are modularity and security. The Zephyr Project prioritizes these elements by providing the flexibility to use the RTOS as-is or customize it as a solution. Security-related matters that the project emphasizes include establishing a security working group and security maintainers. Additionally, extensive communication and networking support is being considered, with Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and IEEE 802.15.4 standards included initially, with plans to gradually expand communication and network support.

The Zephyr Project aims to incorporate input from the open source and embedded developer community and encourage collaboration for RTOS advancement. The project will also support Zephyr RTOS to become a premier embedded technology for IoT, including strong developer tools. The Zephyr Project plans to gradually expand broad architecture support through the following initial supported platforms.



- Arduino 101 (Intel® Curie™ module with x86 and Synopsys® ARC® EM core processors)
- Arduino Due (Atmel SAM3X8E ARM Cortex-M3 CPU)
- Intel® Galileo™ Gen 2
- NXP FRDM-K64F Freedom Board (Kinetis K64F ARM® Cortex®-M4 MCU)

The Zephyr Project will also set up a booth at the Embedded World 2016 event in Nuremberg, Germany to conduct demonstrations and technical presentations during booth sessions. The presentation "Open Source RTOS That Will Transform IoT" will be held on February 24 at 10:30 a.m. (Central European Standard Time) in Session 19. Detailed information regarding project participation can be obtained by visiting Booth 4-349 at the event or at the Zephyr Project homepage (www.zephyrproject.org).

In response to this Linux announcement, Mark Skarpness, Vice President of Intel, stated, "Intel is confident that the Zephyr Project will make a significant impact in the connected and embedded device market. The Zephyr Project, providing scalability, customization, security, and an open source OS, will fill the necessary elements in the connected device development field. Through collaboration with the Zephyr community, we aim to develop the best OS that brings us one step closer to innovation."

Geoff Lees, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Microcontroller Business at NXP, stated, "We anticipate that Zephyr will become a leading IoT platform with specialized security tailored for a connected world and ease of use. We will provide the best tools and unwavering support to enable developers to develop innovative solutions."