Latest News

MPC Data sees Linux resurgence 04/08/2003

MPC Data have been actively developing on Linux platforms since 1995, but the last year has seen a significant increase in Linux activity. We can only speculate about the cause of this: market acceptance as some kind of 'critical mass' is achieved, availability of more mature applications and tools, economic pressures which encourage the adoption of license-free software...we all have our own theories. In fact the heightened popularity of Linux is probably attributable to a combination of many factors.

Whatever the cause, in the year to July 2003 we have undertaken as many Linux projects as we did in the preceding four years! As well as creating a new Linux distribution for the Texas Instruments OMAP platform , and our extensive work on the Renesas SH Linux distributions, we have several smaller Linux projects in progress. These include a device driver for a very high-speed data capture card, porting Linux to another Renesas SH-based embedded processor board, and applications software for a hand-held device.

MPC Data are well placed to respond to the increased demand for Linux expertise. With a full range of services, from feasibility studies and prototypes through to production quality software, we can help at every stage of your Linux project. To back this up our skill set covers platform ports and device drivers, right through to applications software development.

We have recently strengthened our Linux team to cope with the (rather unexpected) surge in demand for expertise. So whatever your next Linux project might be, please contact us to see how we can help.

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OMAP Kickstart program - Linux Kickstart CD now available 01/08/2003

As part of its ever-increasing commitment to Texas Instrument's OMAP Technology Centre (OTC) program, MPC Data has added a Linux version of its Kickstart CD to the recently launched OMAP Kickstart program.

The aim of the OMAP Kickstart program is to accelerate the time to market for the development of our clients' OMAP based developments. We understand that accelerating the time to market whilst reducing the price to market are critical to our clients' success and have designed the Kickstart program with these goals in mind. We have achieved this by studying the requirements of the OMAP market place and making sure that we have services to address every stage of a new product ramp up.

By drawing on our considerable experience in the Linux OMAP development field, we have compiled the Linux Kickstart CD which contains a full range of development tools and includes a pre-rolled Linux Kernel and root file systems plus associated sources, tool chain, pre-built samples, utilities and full documentation. The aim of the CD is to provide our Linux OMAP client's with virtually everything needed to get their Linux based OMAP project up and running in record time.

Full details of the OMAP Kickstart program are available for download (230kB PDF)

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Results of RE:Source crossword competition 02/07/2003

Rick Huges, Technical Director of Anker Systems, submitted the first correct solution drawn from our electronic post-bag. Congratulations to Rick - an Xbox is on the way to you.

Congratulations also go to the runners up who will each receive a free evaluation copy of Microsoft Windows® CE.NET or Microsoft Windows® XP Embedded.

Our special thanks go to Microsoft Embedded Systems Group for sponsoring the competition.
The correct solution is as follows:

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MPC Data wins a major development contract from mobile phone operator Orange. 26/06/2003

MPC Data has been awarded a major contract by Bristol-based mobile phone operator Orange. The development, for Orange's Innovation Centre, involves designing software with the ability to handle on-screen text in a 'conversational' mode using the latest generation of mobile phones. These will include Orange's recently launched SPV, as well as a range of hand-held personal computers.