Open Kernel Labs (OK Labs), a global provider of embedded virtualization software for mobile phones and broadband Internet devices, today announced that ST-Ericsson, a specialist in wireless platforms and semiconductors, has selected OK Labs as its mobile virtualization partner for joint projects featuring ST-Ericsson 3G multimedia chipsets and open OS platforms.
The selection of OK Labs and OKL4 Microvisor technology completes a rigorous evaluation of virtualization technologies by ST-Ericsson. The two companies say they next plan to pursue integration of the OKL4 Microvisor and ST-E 3G multimedia hardware, and exploration of value creation for OEMs by using OKL4 with ST-Ericsson chipsets. The companies are working in tandem to build proofs-of-concept for a combined OK Labs / ST-Ericsson platform in 2010.
The joint effort is said to represent several key 'firsts': ST-Ericsson will be the first mobile multimedia chipset manufacturer to bring mobile virtualization to ARM Cortex A9 multi-core technology. In enabling mobile virtualization together with OK Labs, ST-Ericsson will lead the market in supporting virtualization solutions for SMP-capable open mobile operating systems (OSes).
"Virtualization can bring higher flexibility to our mobile multimedia platforms and enable our customers to speed up time to market for mobile devices supporting a broad range of open OSes," said Teppo Hemia, Head of 3G Multimedia Platforms Business Unit, ST-Ericsson.
"ST-Ericsson's selection of OK Labs further validates the technology and business of embedded/mobile virtualization," said Steve Subar, President and CEO, OK Labs. "On feature-rich silicon like ST-Ericsson 3G multimedia platforms, it helps OEMs support multiple OSes; it gives ISVs more options for deploying applications; and it provides operators and enterprise IT with a reliable and secure foundation for rolling out value-added services and software."
The OK Labs Microvisor, OKL4, is claimed to help OEMs meet next-generation requirements for high-performance multimedia and energy efficiency in handsets and other intelligent devices. OK Labs virtualization technology is also said to offer subsystem isolation, enhancing security, reliability, and performance. The OKL4 Microvisor supports key open mobile OSes, including Symbian, Android, and other Linux platforms.