NEWS  Computer  November 29, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Microsoft has unveiled its decision to open source the real-time operating system (RTOS) it acquired from Express Logic, known as ThreadX. This strategic move also involves contributing the Azure RTOS development suite, which encompasses ThreadX, to the Eclipse Foundation. Under the stewardship of Eclipse, it will be rebranded as Eclipse ThreadX and made available under the permissive MIT license.

ThreadX, often operating behind the scenes, has quietly powered an astonishing 12 billion devices, a fact that might surprise many users. From playing a crucial role in Intel's on-chip Management Engine to serving as the firmware controlling Raspberry Pi devices, ThreadX has been a pervasive force in the tech landscape. Even though it's a proprietary "blob" residing on GitHub and included in Debian, it has been a metaphorical sealed black box, running on the Pi's VideoCore GPU rather than containing Arm code.

Microsoft's acquisition of ThreadX in 2019, with the subsequent rebranding as Azure RTOS, marked a significant chapter in the operating system's journey. The move came on the heels of AWS taking over FreeRTOS stewardship, leading some to speculate it as a response to Amazon's actions. However, the transition wasn't without challenges, as the original developer, William Lamie, departed to establish a new company offering a "fifth-generation" RTOS called PX5OS.

Despite the twists and turns, ThreadX remains a tested and established product, boasting certifications such as TÜV Functional Safety (FuSa) for specific versions. The recent open-sourcing initiative has, however, raised hopes for the Raspberry Pi Foundation to gain permission to release the source code for its version. With over 46 million units sold, the foundation's ability to make the entire software stack open source could enhance the appeal of these devices for a broader audience. As the current version of ThreadX surfaces on GitHub, the tech community eagerly anticipates the potential positive ripple effects of this significant move by Microsoft.