21 November 2008

VirtualLogix Supports ARM Multicore Platforms

VirtualLogix, member of the ARM Connected Community, is supporting all multicore platforms based on the ARM11 MPCore and ARM Cortex-A9 multicore processors in addition to the ARM Cortex-A8 processor.

Virtualization enables developers to combine different execution environments into single core or multicore platforms, separating hardware management from the application support functions of operating systems. When combined with the security, software design flexibility and cost savings of virtualization, ARM multicore processors can assist developers in shrinking their development costs and time, leveraging unlimited processing power and responding faster to new market requirements.

“Virtualization is being more widely considered in auto-infotainment, mobile internet devices and other embedded applications because of the software integration advantages it brings for multicore architectures,” said Eric Schorn, Vice President of Marketing, Processor Division, ARM. “In working with VirtualLogix to jointly address these markets, ARM is ensuring that developers have the tools necessary to take full advantage of ARM multicore processor-based system performance, reuse existing software and operating systems, isolate critical applications and contain system failures.”

“Device designers are realizing the advantages virtualization technology brings to devices, including an easier design process, greater functionality and a faster time-to-market,” said Jean-Pierre LeBlanc, Vice President Mobile Solutions, VirtualLogix. “With expanded support for ARM multicore processors, VirtualLogix has made it even easier to integrate virtualization into the development process. VirtualLogix customers will now benefit from the latest hardware advances in multicore without having to re-design their software or wait until they are fully multi-threaded.”

VirtualLogix VLX enables the ARM11 MPCore to securely support multiple, concurrent operating system environments by virtualizing the system so that each OS believes it has control of the full platform. As a result, no immediate changes to OS applications are required.