It’s been several years since Intel launched a Linux kernel related project. From then until now there has not been much information about him, and not a few thought that Intel had left him aside. But the reality is that the company has plans to move it forward. And even to step on the accelerator in projects that unite this operating system with the hardware. So much so that it has even bought a specialized software developer from Germany, Linutronixto give more muscle and revitalize the project, and to advance Linux.
As they have stated from Intel, Linutronix, with which they have been working for a decade, is the responsible for the patch PREEMPT_RT, which is used to enable communication between controllers, sensors, robots, tools, and other equipment in real-time industrial applications running on Linux. When activated, this patch changes the way the Linux kernel handles interrupts and locks to allow threads additional time on a CPU core with low latency.
As a result of applying the patch, developers can use it to configure the Linux kernel for real-time use cases without having to worry about patches that are not properly controlled, new versions of the kernel, or other types of changes or changes. disruptions.
However, despite its usefulness on industrial Linux systems, as with other open source projects, PREEMPT_RT is maintained by a small group of developers. Until now, the project has suffered from a certain lack of collaborators and funding to integrate with the main Linux kernel. However, there are quite a few companies that have developed products that use the patch, and it is likely that now, having the support of Intel, the number of those who decide to use it will increase.
The terms of the purchase agreement are unknown, nor is the amount that Intel has paid to stay with the company, which, as confirmed by Intel, is dedicated to offering services for industrial systems that use Linux, in addition to being specialized in Linux applications. in real time. What the company has offered, through its Vice President and Head of System Software Engineering of the Advanced Technology Group of the company, mark skarpnessare the plans you have for Linutronix.
Thus, the manager has confirmed that «By purchasing Linutronix, we are deepening our long and active relationship with a highly respected and globally recognized team of Linux experts, adding to Intel’s hardware and software talent. Linutronix will continue to function as an independent company within our software division, led by Egger and Gleixner.«. In addition, as confirmed to The Register, Intel will continue to support the project that has given birth to PREEMPT_RT, since they think it is «a critical piece of technology to be used at many points«.
