Linux in embedded devices

I've been noticing Linux's takeoff in the embedded software space for a while now. Key drivers:
(1) Linux is free
(2) it's good enough (hard real-time capabilities are inessential for many applications, given improvements in processing speeds)
(3) it's open source, which means
(a) adopters of embedded Linux have the freedom/ability to make performance tweaks, etc.
(b) problems/issues are easier to debug and fix
(c) open source developer community is an asset in resolving issues
(4) high level of features and functionality, esp. with regard to the networking stack, for instance.
These were some of the reasons we went with Linux as the embedded OS in our product at my company. Anecdotal evidence, from speaking to other vendors, has confirmed that many are thinking about migrating their products to an embedded Linux base.

Looks like WindRiver (maker of VxWorks) has seen the tide turning and is making a strategic bet on Linux.

Wind River is by far the world's largest embedded software company, and the company does about 30 percent of its business in the telecom and networking markets.

"We have been very aggressive in speaking out against Linux in the past -- in a mode of fighting Linux, saying Linux was bad," says Genard. "That was the wrong fight. We now realize that Linux has a lot of benefit, and has a lot of traction, and can benefit customers. This announcement is about our commitment in recognizing that Linux and VxWorks are both relevant [in the telecom and networking infrastructure markets]," he adds. "Linux is making headway, and we are committed to see how we will support Carrier Grade Linux customers."