As the Internet of Things (IoT) develops further, Microsoft is taking major steps to increase its market share. The purchase of Express Logic, a business well-known for its ThreadX real-time operating system (RTOS), was one of its most calculated actions. Microsoft’s dedication to growing its Azure IoT ecosystem by incorporating effective, safe, and real-time processing capabilities into IoT devices is demonstrated by this acquisition.

The devices that make up the internet of things require a different approach to computing, which is one of the reasons why Microsoft just agreed to acquire a company known for its specialized IoT operating system.

Why Did Microsoft Acquire Express Logic?

A strategic move to strengthen Microsoft’s IoT strategy was made with the acquisition of Express Logic. The ThreadX RTOS from Express Logic is well known for its quickness, portability, and effectiveness when managing embedded devices. One of the most widely used RTOS solutions for microcontroller-based devices, the operating system is currently installed in more than 6.2 billion devices. Microsoft hopes to accomplish the following by incorporating Express Logic’s technology:

  • Improve Azure IoT Services by adding real-time capabilities to its cloud-based IoT solutions.
  • Boost security by making sure IoT devices can process and react to data in real time while upholding strict security guidelines.
  • Increase Developer Accessibility: Facilitate the development of high-performance, low-power Internet of Things applications.

What is ThreadX RTOS?

A real-time operating system (RTOS) called ThreadX was created for embedded and Internet of Things devices that need to operate with minimal latency and great speed. In contrast to conventional operating systems, RTOS places a higher priority on predictable performance, guaranteeing that operations are completed within stringent time limits.

Important ThreadX RTOS Features

  • Low Latency: This makes it possible for vital IoT applications to process data in real time.
  • Minimal Memory Footprint: Perfect for microcontrollers with limited resources.
  • Preemptive multitasking: Ensuring that several tasks run smoothly.
  • Scalability: Able to accommodate a broad variety of devices, ranging from intricate industrial controllers to tiny sensors.
  • Smooth Cloud Integration: For sophisticated analytics and automation, it is possible to integrate with Microsoft Azure.

Impact on the IoT Ecosystem

The IoT environment is anticipated to be significantly impacted by Microsoft’s acquisition of Express Logic:

1. Fortifying Azure RTOS and Azure IoT Edge
Through the acquisition, Microsoft will be able to include ThreadX into its Azure RTOS and Azure IoT Edge products, giving businesses access to a robust end-to-end IoT framework. As a result, companies will find it simpler to implement intelligent edge computing solutions, which process data on devices instead of depending only on cloud computing.

2. Taking on Other IoT Powerhouses
With this action, Microsoft puts itself in a better position to compete with businesses who have their own IoT platforms, such as Google, Amazon, and ARM. Microsoft strengthens its edge computing capabilities by introducing a popular RTOS to its portfolio, placing it squarely in competition with Google’s IoT Core and Amazon FreeRTOS.

3. Industrial IoT (IIoT) advancement
Real-time processing capabilities are essential for sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and smart cities. Microsoft is able to provide more reliable industrial IoT solutions by enhancing automation and decreasing downtime using ThreadX’s effective real-time task management.

4. Increasing Connected Device Security
Security issues are more important than ever as the Internet of Things grows. Safety-critical features like memory protection, secure booting, and encryption support are included in Express Logic’s RTOS. Microsoft hopes to improve device security and lower risks in linked environments by integrating these security features into its IoT ecosystem.

Prospects for the Future: What Does Microsoft Have in Store for IoT?

Microsoft’s larger goal of becoming a leader in edge computing and the Internet of Things includes the acquisition of Express Logic. As the use of IoT keeps expanding, Microsoft is probably going to:

  • Expand the integration of ThreadX with Azure services to enable smooth communication between devices and the cloud.
  • Improve edge computing driven by AI to facilitate intelligent device-level decision-making.
  • To stop cyberattacks in connected areas, extend IoT security solutions.
  • Form alliances with hardware producers to guarantee Azure RTOS is widely used.

Conclusion

In the IoT sector, Microsoft’s acquisition of Express Logic is revolutionary. Microsoft is enabling scalable, secure, and real-time IoT solutions for a variety of sectors by including ThreadX RTOS into its Azure IoT ecosystem. Microsoft’s position as a leading player in the Internet of Things industry is cemented by this acquisition, which guarantees that companies may use real-time data processing to boost productivity and creativity as the demand for smart, connected devices keeps growing.

Full Article:

https://www.geekwire.com/2019/microsoft-bets-real-time-operating-system-iot-devices-express-logic-acquisition/