From:	 Annette Oevermann <aoevermann@pacifico.com>
To:	 <lwn@lwn.net>
Subject: MontaVista Introduces HA Framework
Date:	 Mon, 27 Aug 2001 17:57:49 -0700

MontaVista Delivers HA Framework at Linux World

Introduces standards-based, open architecture, software platform
based on the latest Linux kernel

San Francisco, August 28, 2001 ‹ MontaVista Software Inc., the company
powering the embedded revolution, today announced the introduction of the
High Availability Framework for Hard Hat Linux 2.0. The MontaVista High
Availability Framework is ideal for data communications applications with
heavy I/O loads, such as central office switching equipment, service
provider systems and other communications infrastructure applications. It
provides a standards-based, open architecture software platform for building
fault-resilient systems based on industry-standard CompactPCI and
customer-specific hardware.

"The High Availability Framework provides the foundation for an overall open
architecture availability solution stack," said Kevin Morgan, vice president
of engineering, MontaVista Software.  "Once again, MontaVista takes the lead
in delivering High Availability open source software solutions. Our record
is one of following our open source releases with solid products targeted to
meet customer requirements."

The HA Framework, an add-on product to Hard Hat Linux Professional Edition,
provides the core for an open architecture High Availability solution based
on PICMG (PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturing Group) standards.
MontaVista¹s High Availability Framework is based completely on the latest
Linux kernel 2.4 and supports PICMIG 2.12 hot swap capabilities (hot replace
and hot insert), redundant Ethernet and back plane messaging, as well as
resource and event management.

"Once required only for the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or
other business or life-critical applications, High Availability is now
central to any application that cannot tolerate unplanned downtime, " said
Noel Lesniak, president of Six 9s Associates. "The mission-critical space
now includes key Internet infrastructure applications, where downtime
results in significant loss of revenues, a dramatic decrease in customer
satisfaction and major support problems. MontaVista Software once again
demonstrates technology leadership with the new HA Framework for Hard Hat
Linux."

The MontaVista HA Framework initially supports multiple leading CompactPCI
chasses, System Slot CPUs and Intelligent I/O boards, including popular
Intel x86/IA-32 processor boards from Motorola and RadiSys, and popular
PowerPC processor boards from Motorola and other vendors.
 
"With this release, MontaVista continues the trend of moving embedded
development away from proprietary, closed software and hardware designs
toward open, standards-based systems," said Glenn Seiler, marketing manager,
Hard Hat Linux, MontaVista Software.  "By providing a CompactPCI platform
and an open architecture for hot swap and rapid fail-over, MontaVista is
rewriting the book on how to build highly available and fault resilient
systems. We are very proud that our offering is the first product built
completely on the Linux 2.4 kernel."

Availability
MontaVista is demonstrating key elements of the High Availability Framework
for Hard High Linux, August 28 - 30, in the Moscone Convention Center, San
Francisco, Booth #567. The HA add-on to the company¹s flagship embedded
platform, Hard Hat Linux, is commercially available
to MontaVista customers under product subscription beginning
October 1, 2001. 

Background
High Availability (HA) is a term for technology that enhances the "up-time"
of computer systems by distributing functionality across multiple CPUs.
CompactPCI systems are designed for HA systems by reducing single points of
failure in a single chassis.  In response to hardware and software failures,
CompactPCI HA systems facilitate the rapid transfer of control (fail-over)
from a faulty CPU, peripheral, or software component to a functional one,
while preserving operations or transactions in-progress at the time of
failure.  Many embedded designers choose the standard CompactPCI board and
system form factor for HA designs since it supports replacement and
insertion of system and peripheral cards without the need for cycling power,
reducing technician-assisted time-to-repair.

About MontaVista Software Inc.
MontaVista Software Inc. is a leading provider of open-source systems
software solutions for embedded developers. Founded in 1999 by real-time
operating system pioneer James Ready, MontaVista¹s principal offerings are
the cross development tools and operating system tailored for embedded
developers. MontaVista products include Hard HatTM Linux®, a Linux-based
embedded source and binary distribution, development platform and tool kits
for x86/IA-32, PowerPC, StrongARM, MIPS, SH, ARM, and other microprocessor
architectures. MontaVista offers developers a family of products and
services for embedded design targeted for applications ranging from
communications infrastructure to thin-client and edge applications.
MontaVista Software also makes available valuable technology add-on packages
that address specific customer requirements such as the Java development
environment, High Availability technology, legacy RTOS porting tools, GUI
toolkit and more.

Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, in Sunnyvale, Calif.,
MontaVista Software is a privately held company funded by leading investors
such Alloy Ventures, US Venture Partners, RRE Ventures, WR Hambrecht + Co.,
and Intel Capital. For more information about MontaVista, please visit
http://www.mvista.com, email to info@mvista.com or call (408) 328-9200.

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Hard Hat is a trademark
of MontaVista Software Inc. All other names mentioned are trademarks,
registered trademarks or service marks of their respective companies.
###
Contacts:
Joe Samagond
Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications
MontaVista Software Inc.
Phone: (408) 328-9234
E-mail: jsamagond@mvista.com

Patricia Colby
PR Strategy and Business Development
Pacifico Inc. 
Phone: (408) 293-8600 ext. 340
E-mail: pcolby@pacifico.com