NEC Electronics Corp. has introduced the platformOViA (Open, Value Interface for your Applications) embedded software development platform using the company's system LSIs.

Initial targeted applications include mobile phones, digital AV equipment and such automotive information terminals as car navigation systems. To increase software reusability for products in different fields, the interface will be standardized. NEC Electronics will also prepare LSIs and software components for this platform. By collaborating with software vendors at home and abroad, the company aims to establish the framework to promote software development based on this platform.

PlatformOViA consists of three major elements - system LSIs for specific applications (ASSP), basic software such as drivers and OSs that operate ASSPs, and middleware needed for customer applications. The OSs to be used are assumed Linux and Windows CE. The aim of platformOViA is to reduce time and cost for application software development, which is believed to achieve by offering diversified middleware components. The company expects its partner companies, as well as itself, to develop middleware for the platform.

According to the company's estimate, employment of this platform can sharply reduce the amount of works needed to develop and validate software, including application software, by 40%-70% in the area of digital AV equipment, 40% in the area of mobile phones and 30% in the area of automotive information terminals. If platformOViA is used throughout these areas, the amount of works related to software development and validation at an electronics manufacturer could be trimmed by 1/7. NEC Electronics plans to release compatible system LSIs for digital AV equipment by the end of 2005, and those for mobile phones in 2006.

For additional information visit http://www.necel.com.