MontaVista Linux Powers Traffic Control Devices from Peek Global

Linux Systems Software Platform Provides Critical Real-Time Capability and Service Reliability; Enables Field Upgrades for Global Provider of Traffic Management Solutions

SUNNYVALE, Calif., and HOVE, Belgium, May 7, 2003 — MontaVista Software Inc., the company powering the embedded revolution, today announced that Peek Traffic Inc., a global provider of solutions for traffic management, has chosen MontaVista® Linux® Professional Edition as the operating system (OS) for a variety of innovative mobility management systems. These traffic management systems include the EC-1® Traffic Signal Controller, the Modular Vehicle System (MVS), the Medium speed Digital Subscriber Line (MDSL) router and the TrafficBox roadside motorway unit.

“The embedded operating environment that we used previously was inflexible and led to long development cycles and higher costs. We were then faced with the proverbial ‘Buy’ versus ‘Build’ question. We answered that question by choosing to purchase the MontaVista Linux platform. Standardizing on MontaVista Linux allows us to concentrate on our core competencies -- developing innovative traffic management solutions faster and at lower cost,” said Frans van Otterdijk, chief technology officer of Peek Traffic. “In addition, choosing a standards-based open architecture OS gives our worldwide customers better options for equipment in different locales.”

Peek uses the MontaVista Linux embedded platform, running on Motorola PowerPC® boards in a diverse applications areas with very different environmental and functional requirements.

The main function of the EC-1 (Euro Controller) is to control intersection traffic. It can be equipped to manage up to 40 signal groups and 128 loop detectors at one time. The EC-1 can also be used for ramp metering, local access control, parking management, tunnel control and other applications. The EC-1 has been designed to meet stringent European standards and is suitable for both the European market and other markets that require a high level of sophistication.

MVS is an on-board computer system that is designed to provide accurate and relevant information to passengers, drivers and operators of transport vehicles such as buses, trams, light rail or trucks. A key task of the MVS is to determine a vehicle’s location along a particular route to provide real-time travel information. Based on its position detection, the MVS automatically calibrates all on-board equipment such as stop announcement systems, dynamic information displays and ticketing machines.

Peek’s MDSL router with OSFP (Open Shortest Path First) functionality is a broadband networking device and one of the few products in the market with an industrial specification temperature range in a very compact form factor.

The TrafficBox is a computing platform that organizes gantries and controls traffic signs providing travelers with updates on traffic conditions ahead on the motorways.

“Peek’s traffic management solutions are increasingly multifunctional and networked applications that need a robust and flexible operating system, with real-time capability and a high level of service reliability,” said Cees Boshuizen, vice president, EMEA Sales, MontaVista Software. “MontaVista Linux perfectly meets these needs and we are proud to support Peek in its efforts to speed advanced applications to market.”

Key Factors in the Selection of MontaVista Linux:
According to Peek, the following requirements led it to move from a proprietary system to MontaVista Linux:

  • The need for an open platform
  • The need for a common operating environment and tools platform
  • Requirement for more flexibility and additional functionality
  • Less dependency on hard-to-find technical skills needed for legacy platforms
  • Licensing and development costs
  • Benefits of a common architecture for the embedded and the central system
  • Support for network-based field upgrades of applications and the OS

About MontaVista Linux Professional Edition
This industry-leading comprehensive embedded operating system and cross development environment is MontaVista Software’s flagship product. It includes a modern OS featuring real-time functionality, multi-process capabilities and multi-threaded remote debugging, with extensive bundled software components including rich networking.

MontaVista Linux Professional Edition 3.0 boasts the industry’s most comprehensive embedded development package with broad support for embedded processor architectures, CPU boards and software components. It targets more than 25 processors from nine industry-leading architectures and supports more than 80 boards offering developers great freedom to choose the elements for their development environment, which, in effect, allows them to speed cutting-edge products to market faster and at a lower cost.

About MontaVista Software
MontaVista Software is a leading global supplier of systems software for intelligent connected devices and associated infrastructure. MontaVista powers the embedded revolution by providing GNU/Linux-based open-source software solutions. Founded in 1999 by real-time operating system (RTOS) pioneer James Ready, MontaVista offers a family of products under the MontaVista Linux umbrella that address broad-based software developer needs encompassing applications ranging from communications infrastructure to consumer electronics. Multiple editions of MontaVista Linux are available including Professional, Consumer Electronics and Carrier Grade, along with complementary technology products providing powerful Java and graphics development capabilities.

Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, in Sunnyvale, Calif., MontaVista Software is a privately held company funded by leading investors such as Alloy Ventures, US Venture Partners, RRE Ventures, WR Hambrecht + Co., IBM, Intel Capital, Sony, Panasonic (Matsushita), Toshiba America and Yamaha Corporation. For more information about MontaVista Software, please visit http://www.mvista.com.

About Peek Traffic Inc.
Peek has been active in the mobility industry for more than 20 years, delivering complex software system solutions, IP network connectivity, data center hosting support, hardware, project management and services to the traffic, motorway, parking and public transport sectors. Peek is an international organization with offices in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and North America. For more details, visit www.peekglobal.com.

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. MontaVista is a registered trademark of MontaVista Software Inc. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective companies.

Contacts:

MontaVista Software
Joe Samagond
Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications
Phone (408) 328-9234
E-mail: jsamagond@mvista.com

Patricia Colby
PR Strategy and Business Development
Pacifico, Inc.
Phone: (408) 293 8600 x340
E-mail: pcolby@pacifico.com

Peek Global
Frans van Otterdijk
Chief Technology Officer
Phone: +31334541777
Email: frans.vanotterdijk@peekglobal.com