MPI Linux Port

Linux Offering from Motion Engineering, Inc. Expands Options for Machine Builders

Santa Barbara, CA. - 16 October, 2003 - Motion Engineering, Inc. (MEI) has released a Linux port of its popular 'MPI' motion control programming environment. The MPI is an ANSI standard C/C++ suite of robust motion libraries designed to accommodate the most advanced motion control applications. In addition, the Linux MPI port is fully compatible with SynqNet® performance motion network platforms. The announcement parallel’s MEI’s aggressive pursuit of long-range industry growth trends and adds significant weight to the motion control industry’s commitment to the Linux operating system.

As machine builders continue to seek ways to reduce software costs in mission-critical applications, Linux has emerged as the operating system of choice for growing numbers of OEMs. MEI’s VP of Engineering, Paul Hewitt, characterized his company’s support of Linux as “Simply our response to what the customers are asking for. They are always looking for innovations that save them money. Linux is no longer just another open-source alternative for code purists. As the demand for control over the operating systems increases, coupled with a reluctance to pay growing licensing fees for other operating systems, we have seen a much greater demand for Linux over the past year.” Indeed, Linux is now openly embraced by such industry giants as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, DaimlerChrysler and Dell.

MEI selected Red Hat, Version 8.0 as its Linux source . Explained MEI Product Manager, Ross McMillan, “Red Hat offers outstanding code stability and technical support. Our customers rely on both, and so do we.”

Depending upon the extent and complexity of their applications, OEMs are free to internalize the savings realized by Linux, or pass them on to customers in the form of lower prices. McMillan underscored MEI’s effort to help customers reduce their bottom line. “Linux offers our customers the opportunity to cost-reduce their machines to remain competitive in this increasingly cost-conscious market,” he stated. “Having a Linux port for the MPI rounds out MEI’s suite of supported operating systems that are available to our customers and offers solutions to a wide variety of customers in a vastly diverse market.” Paralleling its highly successful, network-based SynqNet product line, MEI anticipates continued future support for Linux in the industry-wide drive to reduce costs and increase reliability for mission-critical motion control applications.