Terex O&K to choose PikeOS for its excavator product line

embedded world – Nuremberg, February 26, 2008

Terex O&K has selected the PikeOS virtualization technology for driver assistance systems of its excavators. SYSGO succeeded in the selection process with its innovation solution that allows the reuse of legacy code in combination with new technologies under Linux on one single hardware platform.

PikeOS has been ported to the Pentium M based PIP10 hardware from MPL. For the Terex project, PikeOS has been configured to provide two different partitions, one running legacy code on a POSIX API, and the other running new applications on Linux. The C++ compiler, existing C++ programs as well as the Terex math library have been utilized for the POSIX personality on PikeOS. New functionality available for Linux can be added and executed in the Linux partition. Both partitions are independent and securely protected from each other so that new Linux components can not interfere with the existing software. „It is a great advantage that we can reuse our legacy code together with new technologies.“ explains Alois Pöttker, Head of Research & Development at Terex O&K. „In this project, we rely on the experience of SYSGO with safety-critical applications.“

PikeOS provides an operating system platform for embedded systems, where multiple virtual machines can run simultaneously in a secure environment. The secure virtualization technology allows multiple operating systems to run applications of different levels of criticality. One key concept in PikeOS is the division of system resources into subsets referred to as partitions. Each partition is a virtual machine environment with its allocated quota of memory, I/O devices and CPU time that can be used by the software running within the partition. The system software guarantees that resources allocated to one partition are completely protected from use or modification by software of another partition.
 
About PikeOS
PikeOS is an innovative product providing an embedded systems platform where multiple virtual machines can run simultaneously in a secure environment. The secure virtualization technology allows multiple OS APIs to run concurrently on one machine, e.g. an ARINC-653 application together with Linux. The PikeOS microkernel architecture allows it to be used in cost sensitive; resource constrained devices as well as large, complex systems. The simplicity and compactness of the PikeOS design result in real-time performance that competes head-to-head with conventional proprietary RTOS solutions.

About Terex
Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer with 2006 net sales of approximately .6 billion.  Terex operates in five business segments: Terex Aerial Work Platforms, Terex Construction, Terex Cranes, Terex Materials Processing & Mining, and Terex Roadbuilding, Utility Products and Other.  Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, and utility industries.  Terex offers a complete line of financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services.  More information on Terex can be found at www.terex.com.