Sierra Wireless Releases Linux SDK
Maker of embedded software Sierra Wireless has released a Linux software development kit (SDK) for its 3G wireless modules.
The SDK supports both CDMA and UMTS technologies and is targeted to OEM development teams producing embedded products. Vancouver company Sierra Wireless cites as its secondary target group software developers specializing in mobile broadband networks. The SDK should support application development for the devices in the company's palette of wireless products. Among them are the AirCard PC cards, Compass USB modems and AirLink mobile devices. Specific applications can be for mobile devices, vending machines, fleet management systems or machine-to-machine (M2M) systems. The idea is to connect all kinds of machines in mobile broadband networks.
Included in the SDK is an API, sample applications, utilities and documentation. It also provides access to the Sierra Wireless Command and Status API (CnS) with commands for voice, SMS and data connections. A login page is available for developers. According to the LinuxDevices.com, the SDK is based on Ubuntu and Debian Sarge-based reference designs. X86 platforms support Ubuntu 8.04 and require at least 256 Mbytes RAM and 3 Gbytes available storage.
Beginning of December the company acquired the Paris firm Wavecom that specializes in M2M applications. The purchase price was about $305 million in the current exchange. Sierra Wireless hopes to expand its market in Europe and Asia with the acquisition.