Evaluating the Quality of Embedded Operating Systems - There is considerable evidence that modular system design and "componentization" results in higher quality software. A modular design has low coupling among its components and high cohesion within its components.
Overview:
There is considerable evidence that modular system design and "componentization" results in higher quality software. A modular design has low coupling among its components and high cohesion within its components. This is the case because modular designs are less complex, contain less code and are cognitively simpler for designers and programmers to understand and modify. In addition to having performance and extensibility advantages, using a modular or microkernel architecture makes the OS more reliable and more secure. Microkernel architecture offers two core mechanisms that set it apart from other architecture choices to provide a solid foundation for reliability, performance, shortened development cycles, and increased scalability, ultimately leading to lower development and production costs.
Dr. Khaled EL Emam, Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, will evaluate the modularity of the QNX(r) Neutrino(r) real-time operating system compared to a recent version of a real-time Linux kernel. Conducted through an analysis based on existing evidence, Dr. El Emam will examine why a modular kernel architecture presents a higher quality system than a monolithic kernel as related to the quality of system structure and cost - the bottom line.