FROM EDN EUROPE: Build reliable network software on standard kernel

With the latest introduction from real-time OS vendor QNX, you can build high-availability systems for the next generation of Internet Protocol optical networks and storage-area networks. The company based its Networking Infrastructure Platform on the established QNX architecture, which runs every process in protected memory space. This approach combines with networking-specific tools and functions to yield a readily scalable, "bulletproof" system. Key to the reliability of the system is supervision by a HAM (high-availability monitor). A mirror, or guardian version of HAM, always shadows the monitor. If some process crashes the HAM, the guardian seamlessly takes over and immediately spawns a new version of itself to ensure continuity. The HAM in turn monitors all operational software routines, relaunching any that cease to function correctly.

Because the routines all operate in protected memory space under Solaris, Windows, or self-hosted, a networking system should always remain functional. Extreme operational problems that repeatedly crash key functions should result in only a controlled degradation of performance. The platform includes embedding kits, development tools, the HAM tool kit, a system-analysis toolkit, networking and management protocol stacks, and customisable board-support packages.

QNX, +49 511 940 91 151, www.qnx.com.