Want to deploy embedded Linux systems faster? You’re not alone. Linux has become the go-to OS for modern IoT and industrial computing applications thanks to its flexibility, security, and broad hardware support. Once you’ve got Linux up and running, the services and software support it provides can greatly accelerate development.
But getting to that point has often been quite painful. Most embedded designs call for a custom build of Linux, and developing your own build could be a slow, laborious process. The emergence of the Yocto Project has greatly simplified matters by automating many aspects of Linux development, but significant challenges remain.
Understanding the Deployment Challenge
Historically, embedded Linux deployments required deep expertise across multiple domains. Development teams needed various specialists to tackle hardware bring-up, ensure proper cybersecurity, and integrate cloud connections.
While the Yocto Project made significant strides by introducing automated builds, cross-compilation capabilities, and sophisticated package management, developers still faced considerable hurdles in several critical areas:
- Board Support Package (BSP) development required extensive customization for each hardware platform
- Security implementation demanded specialized knowledge of various vendor-specific mechanisms
- Cloud service integration often involves complex protocol implementations and custom middleware
- Maintaining long-term system reliability while ensuring timely updates proved challenging
Advancing Deployment with Clea OS
Clea OS addresses these challenges by building a richer feature set on top of Yocto’s foundation. As an open-source Linux platform, Clea OS can be implemented on both SECO and non-SECO embedded hardware, offering flexibility that helps avoid vendor lock-in.
One of Clea OS’s most notable features is its pre-integrated BSPs for supported hardware. The platform provides out-of-the-box support for SECO’s edge product catalog, including both x86 and Arm-based processors. This pre-integration can save weeks or months of development time compared to creating custom BSPs from scratch.
Clea OS also helps speed development by offering two distinct starting point versions:
- Clea OS Embedded includes only essential services for secure updates and reliable Docker operation, perfect for lightweight deployments
- Clea OS Things comes pre-configured with comprehensive tools for testing and developing complex applications, including human-machine interface (HMI) systems
Both versions provide a solid foundation that eliminates many of the time-consuming setup tasks that have slowed down embedded Linux projects.
Streamlined Development Infrastructure
Clea OS introduces a standardized development infrastructure that significantly reduces the complexity of embedded Linux deployment. For example, it integrates a comprehensive DevOps infrastructure for continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD). This infrastructure includes automated testing pipelines that help to maintain high software quality and stability across hardware platforms.
The OS also supports an A/B partitioning scheme for software updates. This approach provides a fallback mechanism should errors occur during an update, allowing the system to quickly revert to a known-good state. With this system in place, service technicians can perform maintenance and updates confidently, knowing they won’t have to worry about extended downtime if something goes wrong.
Integration with the Clea Ecosystem
Clea OS integrates seamlessly with the broader Clea ecosystem, which provides a comprehensive set of tools for modern IoT deployment:
- Clea Astarte provides sophisticated data orchestration, collecting, routing, and managing device data across a fleet of IoT devices
- Clea Edgehog delivers robust device monitoring and fleet management capabilities, making it easier to maintain and update devices at scale
- Clea Portal provides a cloud-based front end for managing and monetizing the IoT fleet, with everything from data visualization to device control
In addition to supporting these integrated options, Clea OS also maintains the flexibility to work with various cloud implementations through standard protocols like MQTT.
Security Built In
The platform’s architecture emphasizes security from the ground up. It supports standard secure boot mechanisms across various silicon vendors including Intel, NXP, Qualcomm, and MediaTek, providing an enhanced chain of trust for both Arm and x86 architectures.
For applications that need more advanced security, Clea OS integrates with Exein’s AI-based real-time device monitoring and protection solutions. Exein offers features like runtime security analysis and vulnerability scanning, with reporting back to a centrally managed platform.
Looking to the Future
IoT and embedded computing are continuing to evolve, and Clea OS will grow along with the industry. Features planned for the future include:
- Enhanced secure boot capabilities
- Comprehensive software bill of materials (SBOM) generation
- Continuous vulnerability assessment for improved security posture
What’s more, SECO is committed to long-term support (LTS) for the platform. Regular updates will ensure that systems remain secure and reliable throughout their operational lifetime.
Conclusion
Clea OS represents a significant advancement in embedded Linux deployment. It takes everything that makes Yocto such a powerful build tool and adds a new layer of features that accelerate development even further.
By addressing the traditional challenges of embedded Linux deployment, Clea OS enables developers to focus on their core application development rather than board bring-up. The platform’s pre-integrated BSPs, cloud application connectivity, and security features eliminate many of the traditional bottlenecks in embedded Linux development.
For developers looking to streamline their embedded Linux deployment process, these benefits make Clea OS a compelling option. Contact us to learn more.