Sierra Wireless' New SDK Reduces Development Time and Cost for Linux Developers

Sierra Wireless today announced the release of a new software development kit (SDK) for Linux developers. The new software reportedly reduces development time and cost for developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) integrating Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) mobile broadband products within Linux systems.

 

Sierra Wireless Linux SDK supports both Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) technologies, providing a rapid development path while integrating Sierra Wireless embedded modules, the company said.

 

The Linux SDK includes an application programming interface (API), sample applications, utilities and documentation. The software reportedly gives customers access to Sierra Wireless Command and Status (CnS) API including commands for voice, short messaging service (SMS), and data connections, which enables lower power consumption compared to AT commands.

 

“Sierra Wireless is committed to supporting the widest possible range of customers and applications for 3G mobile broadband,” said Trent Punnett, senior vice president, marketing and corporate development for Sierra Wireless, in a statement.

 

“The Linux SDK allows developers integrating Sierra Wireless products into Linux-based systems – including portable devices, machine-to-machine systems, fixed wireless terminals, vending, and fleet management systems – to do so in a cost-effective way that supports their tight development schedules,” Punnett added.

 

Sierra Wireless Linux SDK is also available to independent software vendors creating connection managers for network operators, Sierra said. This version of the SDK supports various adapter products, including PC card, ExpressCard and USB modems from Sierra Wireless.

 

Sierra Wireless 3G embedded modules and enabling software provide powerful and cost-effective solutions that easily integrate into laptops, portable devices and fixed wireless terminals, offering complete wireless data solutions over High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) Rev. A networks

 

Sierra Wireless recently announced EMConnect, a set of firmware features used in conjunction with Sierra Wireless’ 3G embedded modules. The EMConnect firmware features reportedly allow Sierra Wireless 3G embedded modules to serve as standalone connections for machine-to-machine applications, eliminating the need for a separate host processor in the device itself.

 

 

In addition to an expanded Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) interface, EMConnect features include Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP (News - Alert)) packet assembler/disassembler, connection monitoring with auto-re-connect, modem setting persistency and General Purpose I/O (GPIO) support.