Linux is the default environment for most software developers and is a popular choice for embedded solutions. However, one of Linux’s greatest strengths, and to some extent its biggest challenge, is that it comes in so many flavors and varieties, each well suited to a particular use case.

Commercially supported embedded Linux is the primary alternative to RYO. Not only are the long-term support and maintenance costs much lower but the technical, business, and legal risks of commercially supported embedded Linux are much lower as well. Commercial vendors can also provide full development services, including platform, services, maintenance, and support, which increase productivity and reduce the overhead of maintaining your own unique embedded Linux distribution.