Motorola has joined the Eclipse open source community which supports the adoption of open-source embedded software and tools including Linux.  

Motorola is working with the Eclipse Foundation to propose an Eclipse Tools for mobile Linux (TmL) project which will support development of C++ applications targeting mobile devices. Motorola is also part of a group of firms building a Linux-based platform for mobile devices.

“With the support of the Eclipse community, Motorola hopes to drive frameworks and tools to support all phases of the application lifecycle for developers creating and deploying C/C++ applications targeting mobile Linux platforms," said Christy Wyatt, v-p ecosystem development at  Motorola Mobile Devices.

“Over time, we hope the Eclipse TmL project will provide a home for mobile Linux extensions across a wide range of existing and future Eclipse projects,” said Wyatt.

The decision is seen as a significant endorsement for further use of the Linux open source operating system within the mobile handset market.

"Mobile Linux is an extremely compelling initiative and Eclipse is pleased to be working towards offering developers extended options to develop in this environment," said Mike Milinkovich, executive director, Eclipse Foundation. 

The firm has created an open source website which features source code, including kernel and drivers, for Motorola's Linux-based devices. It also features Java technology including Java test frameworks, sample test cases, and will soon host code, documents, and specifications for Motorola-lead JSRs (Java Specification Requests) such as MIDP 3.0 (Mobile Information Device Profile).

www.motorola.com