Operating system (OS) migration for embedded systems

Every IoT and connected device is different and so there can be no single Embedded OS that is appropriate for every project. OS migration consists in delivering a smooth transition to empower your devices to reach their full potential with the right operating system.

OS migration: what does it entail?

OS migration involves selecting a new operating system that supports your current applications and hardware. It includes evaluating which proprietary software services need porting, as many features are built into modern OS platforms. Hardware compatibility is ensured, dependencies are configured, and an abstraction layer is developed to maintain application functionality with minimal changes. Finally, the application is integrated into the build system and deployed.

The challenges of migrating from one operating system to the other

Legacy hardware & software compatibility

All devices currently in use rely on ageing hardware that modern OS may not easily support. These systems often use legacy features of processors, peripherals or stacks which can cause significant compatibility issues when porting a new OS such as Linux.

Performance Requirements

Embedded devices often have real-time performance needs. Meeting deterministic timing constraints can be critical, for instance in safety or medical related devices.

Fleet management migration

Operating system migration implies that a pool of devices already exists and need to be upgraded. Depending on the migration strategy, our cloud/DevOps teams can help you plan an upgrade strategy and deploy it to your device fleet.

Factors to considers for your OS migration

01.

OS reliability and Stability

It goes without saying that an appropriate OS is expected to be reliable and never crash without warning. An OS with support from a proprietary source (for example, Microsoft) or from a large open-source community (Linux) will help inspire confidence in an OS and help ensure its stability after release. Picking an OS that doesn’t have the backing of a wider community (or realistically big development budgets a corporation can offer) will always have its risks. The question is whether you are willing to bet your device’s success on it?

02.

OS security

Most IoT devices are permanently and continuously communicating with a network and, as a result, are threatened by bad actors with malicious intent. A secure OS is an essential arrow in a vendor’s overall security quiver, and many OSs have add-ons and plugins that can add additional security, beyond the standard, should the use case demand it. Depending on your use case it could take years to build credibility and usage in your industry and depending on the level, one vulnerability that could ruin it. It is well worth getting an expert OS security advisor to test and examine your device.

03.

OS Portability & modularity

The hardware choices that an IoT vendor makes for the first generation of devices might not be the same choices for future iterations of the same device or a second generation of that device. We all know how much a product can change generation on generation as the marketplace becomes more competitive and technology advances. A portable OS, namely one that can be deployed successfully on different hardware, can be a distinct advantage for a vendor. Why? Imagine redeveloping your entire OS, in order to upgrade your device. It will take twice as long and cost twice as much.

04.

OS footprint

Many IoT devices have limited resources, memory, and energy sources. So, an OS that takes up too much space limits the amount your software engineer can add to your program code. Therefore, an OS with a smaller footprint might be an advantage for a vendor depending on their hardware choices. An OS isn’t your only footprint overhead, however depending on the device and your hardware needs, more space might be needed for additional chips and components.

SUCCESS STORY

W.H. Leary migration to Linux OS

W. H. Leary needed to migrate their OS and Kernel due to an end-of-life CPU and OS. The Monet platform – which automates the company’s world-class packaging manufacturing system -is a vital part of the company’s offering, so extra care was needed to ensure ease of use and system longevity. After an in-depth consulting workshop phase, W. H. Leary selected Witekio’s architecture concept, and development team, to deliver the:

Reimagining of a real-time processing system, from the lower levels up
Yocto BSP development, OS migration, and language localization support
GUI integration for seamless user-experience
System optimization and documentation

OS migration with Witekio

Witekio excels in seamless OS transitions, ensuring core functionality and user experience. Our extensive experience includes aiding clients in migrations from Windows Embedded Compact/WEC/Windows CE to Linux, Android, and upgrading from soon-to-be-unsupported OS versions to newer iterations. This wealth of knowledge positions Witekio as your premier choice for software migration projects, extending to OS-to-hardware transitions and transitioning from Embedded C to C++. With a proven history of success, we stand ready to elevate your embedded software capabilities through adept migration management.