Software platforms have unique pros and cons, with a direct impact on security performance. Alf Chang, Senior Consultant for A&S magazines and a former installer, looks at key features and design considerations.
Embedded operating systems (EOS) are fundamental in computing. The advantages of different systems depend on their functionality, reliability, cost, form factor, power consumption and more. Each EOS is evaluated by how it performs in harsh environments or when power is interrupted, and how the system recovers for stable and normal operation.
Software platforms have unique pros and cons, with a direct impact on security performance. Alf Chang, Senior Consultant for A&S magazines and a former installer, looks at key features and design considerations.
Embedded operating systems (EOS) are fundamental in computing. The advantages of different systems depend on their functionality, reliability, cost, form factor, power consumption and more. Each EOS is evaluated by how it performs in harsh environments or when power is interrupted, and how the system recovers for stable and normal operation.
All EOS are required to have real-time processing ability, as they are integrated with the processor. Any software upgrades also take place on the physical devices. The software encoding for EOS must be stable and good quality.
Finally, most EOS is stored to read-only memory (ROM) or flash ROM, rather than disk-based storage. These basic characteristics of EOS affect present operation issues.
CURRENT APPLICATIONS
EOS is deployed for many software management systems, with its origins in industrial controls and defense applications. It has now migrated to cell phones and multimedia, making its reach pervasive. EOS handles all the software and hardware resource provisioning and adjustments, being saved to the system's physical hardware. It also can carry out necessary functions through the installation of modules.
At least 40 different EOS exist, but Linux, Windows and Palm OS are more familiar in physical security. Linux and Windows Embedded are most prevalent, with some shared features for security applications:
1. Open system architecture
2. Real-time operation for multiple devices
3. Complete and unified interface
4. User-friendly and intuitive GUI
5. Strong networking, with TCP/IP support and unified MAC levels
6. High stability and robustness, with low requirements for user maintenance
7. Software stored to the ROM and can easily move files
8. Good hardware integration, or easy to place
Product Adopted:Software,
Software