MicroEJ Accelerates the Creation of IoT Software for ARM Cortex-M and Cortex-A Processors

MicroEJ enables software developers to write applications that deliver a rich IoT user experience and can run across ARM® Cortex® processor families

Nantes, France, July 27, 2016 – MicroEJ® OS operating system powers embedded, wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) devices that run on ARM microprocessor cores.

The system brings cross ARM architecture portability as it enables binary software portability across ARM-based devices. Based on a multi-application secure engine that provides a virtualization layer, it enables applications written in the Java language to run as is (no reprogramming or recompiling required) on all supported processors. The rich set of pre-integrated libraries and application programming interfaces (API), and the full set of development tools based on Eclipse, ensure fast development of quality software. APIs include graphical user interface (GUI), networking and security, connectivity and inputs/outputs.

Management of multiple wired and wireless physical connectivity layers and transport layers, based on the Internet Protocol (IP) or on proprietary protocols, is also enabled by MicroEJ. Supporting a full suite of IP-based stacks for interoperability with web services and IoT cloud platforms for device management and data streaming, MicroEJ OS enables a richer IoT user experience as it allows dynamic installation and uninstallation of apps from the cloud for flexible software content management. Online infrastructure for publishing and downloading apps is provided by MicroEJ Store.

“The combination of MicroEJ OS and MicroEJ Store enables IoT device manufacturers to deliver services to their users comparable to smartphones and tablets, but with the power efficiency and cost effectiveness of microcontrollers based on the ARM Cortex-M processor,” said Fred Rivard, CEO of MicroEJ. “Manufacturers can use apps to adjust the software content of their devices in the field, with more flexibility than full firmware updates. It also enables them to deliver apps that can give access to any cloud services, and to create an ecosystem of third-party app developers.”

Enhanced software execution capabilities are also offered by MicroEJ, as it provides a framework that enables running multiple apps safely in their own sandbox. Running apps in isolation from the system and from each other means they have a minimal footprint overhead of a few kilobytes.

“A compelling user experience and the ability to extend application functionality are key to the success of consumer-facing smart connected devices,” said Charlene Marini, vice president of segment marketing, ARM. “For software developers, this means having an easy way of creating rich IoT experiences and once deployed, a fast and efficient way of providing over-the-air device updates to ensure a lifetime of enhanced functionality. MicroEJ’s OS achieves that by providing a universal software foundation through which compelling IoT device applications can be delivered directly or through the MicroEJ Store.”

MicroEJ OS supports ARM Cortex-M and Cortex-A processors, including Cortex-M0+, Cortex-M3, Cortex-M4, Cortex-M7, Cortex-A5, Cortex-A7 and Cortex-A9, as well as heterogeneous multicore systems containing both Cortex-A and Cortex-M processors. Devices from a wide range of semiconductor vendors are supported, including NXP, Renesas Electronics and STMicroelectronics.