The Linux Foundation's Zephyr Project: A Custom Operating System for IoT Devices

Charlie Osborne | ZD Net | February 19, 2016

The new project is calling for developers interested in creating frameworks and a dedicated operating system for IoT devices.

The Linux Foundation has unveiled Zephyr, an open-source project aimed at the creation of a real-time operating system suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices. Announced on Wednesday, the Zephyr Project hopes to bring vendors and developers together under a single operating system which could make the development of connected devices an easier, less expensive and more stable process.

Early supporters of the project include Intel, NXP Semiconductors, Synopsys and UbiquiOS Technology, but Zephyr's operators hope to lure more IoT players to the fold.
The Zephyr Project, overseen by the non-profit Linux Foundation, could become an important step in creating an established ecosystem in which vendors subscribe to the same basic communication protocols and security settings. A problem with today's IoT market is that many vendors are launching their own systems, but connecting different devices together in a network can be difficult. However, if a single operating system can be agreed upon and adopted, this could widen consumer choice and extend the functionality of IoT devices as a whole.

The scheme is focusing on bringing open-source developers and communities together to work on a real-time operating system (RTOS) for IoT devices. The foundation hopes to create a "best in breed" RTOS for future connected devices, including support for a variety of system architectures...