Canonical targets IoT projects with 64-bit ARM developer platform

The Linux firm creates a reference platform using its Ubuntu Core

Canonical has unveiled a development platform for projects targeting the Internet of Things (IoT) based on its Ubuntu Core software platform and a 64-bit ARM-based DragonBoard single-board computer.

The new development kit is touted by the company as the first ARM-based 64-bit development board available for Ubuntu Core. Detailed on Canonical's Ubuntu Insights blog, it offers an affordable but flexible environment for building IoT projects that can scale from ARM-based servers to embedded solutions, the company claimed.

Ubuntu Core is a minimum footprint operating system that Canonical initially developed as part of its initiative to develop an Ubuntu smartphone, but which is versatile enough to be used in the cloud as a host for operating containers or in embedded applications such as devices targeting the IoT.

One of the key features of Ubuntu Core is its Snappy mechanism for delivering updates to both the operating system and application code. This is transactional, meaning that updates can be easily applied or rolled back if required.

The hardware comprises the DragonBoard 410c from Arrow Electronics. This is a compact single-board computer the size of a credit card, like the popular Raspberry Pi devices. It is based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor that boasts four of ARM's Cortex-A53 64-bit CPU cores.

Canonical said that the Dragonboard 410c forms its reference platform for Ubuntu Core on the ARM 64-bit architecture. This means that future updates of the operating system will be available first for the DragonBoard 410c, ensuring users a stable development environment.

"Adopting the DragonBoard 410c as our ARM 64-bit reference platform is proof of our commitment to the open platform community surrounding the board. Via snappy Ubuntu Core and the DragonBoard 410c, developers will have an affordable, accessible and flexible way to create new IoT solutions," said Canonical's vice president for Commercial Devices Operations Jon Melamut.

As well as its 64-bit CPU, the DragonBoard 410c has 1GB of memory and 8GB of eMMC flash storage, with 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, plus I/O including Two USB ports, SPI and I2C interfaces and a number of general purpose I/O (GPIO) pins for connecting hardware.

Canonical said that its Ubuntu Core image for the Snapdragon 410 will be available for download from the website of the Linaro Linux project's 96Boards programme. The DragonBoard 410c itself is available from Arrow Electronics at a price of £53.

Computing will be holding an Internet of Things Business Summit in London on May 12. Attendance is free to qualifying end users and places are already going fast. Visit the event page to peruse the agenda and to sign up