EFI/UEFIIntel, the creator of the
EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) specification, describes EFI as "a new model for the interface between operating systems and platform firmware [which] consists of data tables that contain platform-related information, plus boot and runtime service calls that are available to the operating system and its loader. Together, these provide a standard environment for booting an operating system and running pre-boot applications."
The EFI spec was renamed to "Unified EFI" (UEFI) 2005 and is now under the control of an industry group dubbed the
UEFI Forum. Some interesting background on EFI is available from the following articles:
InsydeDIYThe benefits of using the pre-packaged firmware components of InsydeDIY are multiple, according to the Insyde, include:
- Reduced project development time
- Compatibility with the industrys latest EFI methods of booting an operating system
- Improved boot speed
- A robust environment for running and managing pre-boot applications, and
- Seamless transition path to the company's previous product, the InsydeH2O, a complete production-ready EFI/UEFI framework
It also contains a built-in software debugger, along support for networking devices and USB mass storage.
According to Insyde executive VP Jonathan Joseph, Insyde's firmware products are "well aligned with Intel's Embedded and Communication Processor plans." However, the company has bigger plans for the future: to deliver "a complete suite of InsydeDIY products that extend across the entire embedded silicon roadmap," he adds.
Doug David, VP of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group and general manager of the Embedded Communications Group, stated, "As an Intel Communications Alliance Affiliate Member providing innovative firmware solutions, Insyde Software is an important part of our embedded ecosystem."
AvailabilityInsydeDIY is expected to ship in Q2 of 2007. It requires a one-time license per CPU/chipset platform, with no subsequent royalties.
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