Pioneering Secure Systems: The Launch of QNX Operating System for Safety QOS 8.0

In an age where embedded systems are becoming increasingly vital to numerous industries, the QNX division of BlackBerry has unveiled its latest advancement: the QNX Operating System for Safety QOS 8.0. This innovative solution is fundamentally designed to enhance the development and certification processes for safety-critical embedded systems, vital for sectors such as automotive, industrial applications, medical devices, and defense.

A Robust Foundation for Safety-Critical Applications

At its core, QOS 8.0 serves as a foundational software solution, pre-certified for immediate deployment. It seamlessly integrates safety and security requirements directly into products, allowing developers a well-defined path toward achieving compliance with stringent industry standards. By utilizing this sturdy base, manufacturers can concentrate their engineering efforts on creating unique features that differentiate their products in the marketplace, confident that the ground-level software is engineered with robustness and safety in mind.

As the complexity of embedded systems advances—from intelligent automotive technology to interconnected IoT devices—developers face an escalating demand for real-time execution and adherence to evolving safety and cybersecurity protocols. The increasing intricacy of these applications requires a fast-paced development cycle that meets rigorous compliance demands, a challenge that QOS 8.0 is expertly crafted to tackle.

Engineering Excellence Meets Industry Standards

Designed as a high-performance, hard real-time operating system, QOS 8.0 can support even the most demanding embedded applications. Its architecture aligns with established global safety and security standards, including ISO 26262 ASIL-D, IEC 61508 SIL3, IEC 62304 Class C, and ISO/SAE 21434. By functioning as a certified Safety Element out of Context (SEooC), QOS 8.0 can be easily integrated into various safety-critical systems, thereby simplifying certification processes and reducing time to market.

John Wall, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Product, Engineering & Services at QNX, remarked on the significance of this release: “With QOS 8.0, we’re giving developers a powerful foundation to build the next generation of safety- and security-critical embedded systems. When a manufacturer chooses QOS 8.0, they are opting for a development platform that aligns safety, security, and performance, reflecting our deep commitment to supporting our customers in achieving the highest standards of functional safety and cybersecurity without compromising on efficiency.”

Advancing Technology for Tomorrow’s Needs

The latest iteration of QOS 8.0 refreshes the microkernel to feature a future-proof architecture that amplifies advancements in silicon technology. This forward-thinking design ensures fast, reliable, and real-time performance within safety-sensitive applications.

Key Features of QOS 8.0

• A comprehensive hard real-time operating system built on the QNX Software Development Platform 8.0
• C/C++ toolchains qualified to ISO 26262 TCL3 and IEC 61508 TL3
• Essential safety and security artifacts that streamline both development and certification processes for critical systems.

Chris Rommel, Executive Vice President at VDC Research, emphasized the necessity of such advancements, stating, “Today’s software-defined systems require development platforms that can function as the cornerstone for safety, security, and innovation. QNX OS for Safety 8.0 offers engineers a reliable solution to address contemporary safety and security standards while expediting their development processes in the evolving landscape of embedded system requirements.”

Trust and Innovation in Embedded Systems

Recognized by leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers globally, including automotive giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota, QNX has established itself as the trusted software foundation for mission-critical applications across a variety of embedded industries. The company’s commitment to fostering innovation and safety positions it at the forefront of future developments in this sector.

As embedded technology continues to evolve, QNX powerfully champions the integration of safety, performance, and innovation, ensuring that industries can confidently navigate the complexities of advanced systems. With QOS 8.0, QNX once again reaffirms its role as a leader in enabling transformative and secure embedded solutions, laying the groundwork for future innovations that will reshape the landscape of technology as we know it.