Wind River announced a new version of Wind River Linux based on Yocto Project 1.7 code, and featuring new binary deployment and security assessment options.

Intel subsidiary Wind River announced Wind River Linux 7 at the Linux Foundation’s combination LinuxCon + CloudOpen + Embedded Linux Conference Europe, being held this week in Düsseldorf, Germany. The latest version of the leading commercial Linux distribution was upgraded to version 6 with Yocto Project 1.5 a year ago at the same event.

The new release continues to build on the Linux Foundation’s latest Yocto Project open source code for embedded Linux, this time using a Linux kernel, toolchain, and user space based on Yocto Project 7. The new Yocto Project release adds automation features such as automated testing and package upgrades, as well as performance improvements and “developer experience and workflows,” according to the project. Yocto Project 1.7 and Wind River Linux 7 also add improved support and testing for open source software such as Eclipse IDE plugins and the Toaster API and web interface to Yocto’s Bitcake-based OpenEmbedded build system.

Simplified architecture diagram for Wind River Linux 7
(click image to enlarge)

While the previous version of Wind River emphasized new processor support, including an embrace of 64-bit ARM processors, Wind River Linux 7’s key new feature is the simplified delivery of projects using binary code. In addition to tapping the distribution’s continued support for source code delivery, “customers can jump-start their projects by deploying the Wind River Linux image directly onto their target system,” says Wind River.

A new “on-target agent” automatically updates binaries by downloading from Wind River repositories. Combined with a self-hosted installation process, “developers can now more easily compile and deploy applications directly from the target device,” adds the company.

Binary deployment in Wind River Linux 7
(click image to enlarge)

Wind River’s says its long term commercial support and maintenance agreement now adds assessment and remediation support for new security vulnerabilities. Security patches are now downloaded and installed automatically every month, and customers can use a GUI tool to more easily examine the content of the updates.

“A Yocto Project champion from the very start, Wind River continues to nurture open source innovation,” stated Mike Woster, chief operating officer of the Linux Foundation. “This is greatly appreciated from the community, especially as software projects become more complex.”

 
Further information

Wind River Linux 7 is available now at an unstated price. More information may be found at the Wind River Linux 7 product page.