Sun, Lineo bringing Linux to UltraSparc

NEW YORK--Sun Microsystems has hired Lineo to bring Linux and related programming tools to Sun's UltraSparc IIe processor for "embedded" computing devices such as network routers or digital TV sets, the companies announced Tuesday at the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo. Versions of Linux already exist for UltraSparc chips, but few companies provide support at present. Sun said it hopes the partnership will help Sun's chips gain more widespread use in embedded devices, which more frequently use chips from ARM Holdings, MIPS or Motorola. A royalty-free version of Embedix, Lineo's version of Linux, will be available in the first quarter of 2002. A software-development kit, for which Lineo charges, is expected by the third quarter.

Stephen Shankland

Jan. 31, 2002 4:39 p.m. PT

Stephen Shankland principal writer

Stephen Shankland has been a reporter at CNET since 1998 and writes about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.

Expertise processors, semiconductors, web browsers, quantum computing, supercomputers, AI, 3D printing, drones, computer science, physics, programming, materials science, USB, UWB, Android, digital photography, science Credentials I've been covering the technology industry for 24 years and was a science writer for five years before that. I've got deep expertise in microprocessors, digital photography, computer hardware and software, internet standards, web technology, and other dee

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