The MULTI environment automates all aspects of embedded software development, including editing, source-level debugging, program building, execution profiling, and project/version control. Available with C, C++, EC++, and FORTRAN optimizing compilers, MULTI also features an instruction set simulator that allows programmers to develop and test target CPU code without the need for the target hardware.

The OSE RTOS is a message-level, process-oriented RTOS that provides run-time services on the target hardware for applications developed using MULTI. OSE simplifies the design of distributed applications by enabling designers to implement their applications using high-level constructs such as state transitions and message passing. It also provides built-in safety features that make it ideal for distributed applications that require high availability and security.

"OSE and MULTI provide a perfect complement to each other for developing and debugging large distributed, fault-tolerant systems," said John Carbone, vice president of marketing at Green Hills. MULTI provides automated source-level editing, compilation, debugging, profiling, and project/version control facilities that are geared to the large development teams that typically work on complex distributed projects. The OSE RTOS provides run-time services that are not only optimized for distributed applications, but provide a level of reliability and security not found in most embedded operating systems."

Unlike traditional embedded operating systems, which utilize light-weight tasks to partition complex activity and semaphores to establish communications, the OSE RTOS uses memory-protected processes and message-based communications. This approach makes it easier to conceptualize complex applications and distribute programming responsibilities across large development teams. The OSE RTOS model also makes it easier to compartmentalize critical operations and data, thereby enhancing reliability and security.

The OSE RTOS has already qualified for the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61508 certification, an international standard for safety critical systems. The OSE RTOS is also undergoing certification for the stringent DO-178B safety standard.

Also available with the OSE RTOS is a kernel viewer known as Illuminator that simplifies the design of distributed applications utilizing the state transition and message-passing paradigm. The OSE Illuminator's system browser lets users monitor several target systems simultaneously, displaying status information about buffer allocation, stack/CPU usage, process activation, and message queues. The Illuminator also features an event/action handler (Evact Handler) that lets users create actions in response to trigger events spanning one or more processors.

The OSE Illuminator, together with MULTI, supports not only traditional "stop-mode" debugging, but also "run-mode" debugging. Run-mode debugging is ideal for distributed, high-availability applications like telephone switching that require continuous operation because it enables designers to halt and examine one process without disrupting other processes. Future enhancements like support for distributed breakpoints (lets the debugger halt an arbitrary set of processes in response to a breakpoint) will further simplify distributed software development.