IntervalZero - Top 10 Reasons to Use RTX

1. Deterministic Real-Time Extension to Windows XP / 2000 / NT
Enables Windows-based applications to provide hard, real-time capabilities for embedded applications utilized in various industries including industrial automation, telecommunication, testing and measurement, medical, government/military, and simulation.

2. Provides Direct Control and Ownership
RTX provides the developer with control and ownership of a system's resources that is independent of the operating system or any application.
     Scheduling
          Schedule processes and threads in an order appropriate to the required
          functions and/or tasks.
     Port I/O Address Space
          Access data and devices beyond the Driver Development kits (DDK) or
          Windows Driver Model (WDM) driver architecture supplied by Microsoft.
     Memory Address Space
          Read and/or write to physical memory as well as map physical memory to
          an application.

3. Leverage Industry Standard Development and Debugging Tools
Microsoft tools are inexpensive, easy-to-use, and widely utilized today. RTX does not require additional, expensive, unique, proprietary tools for development and debugging.
     Common Windows APIs
          RTX supports all the necessary Win32 APIs required for real-time performance as well as
          following the Microsoft standards for argument structure and naming conventions.
     Supplemental RTX Utilities
          RTX provides additional wizards and debuggers that integrate with the
          standard Microsoft tools to provide a seamless development environment.

4. Offers Highest Availability
RTX provides Shutdown Handlers to enable applications to survive a Windows STOP error and allow certain functions to continue to execute without the operating system. This is extremely important for mission critical applications that cannot afford a system shutdown to disrupt operations.

5. Affordable Real-Time Solution
The ability to use commercial off-the-shelf (CTOS) hardware along with RTX SDK licenses that are priced per seat-not per project-make RTX an attractive solution for embedded developers worldwide.

6. Very Accurate, Low Interval Timers
RTX provides small interval timers (100 microseconds) with very small drift to enable accurate measurement of synchronization objects.

7. Rapid Start-Up of RTX
Since RTX and its processes can be up and running prior to the operating system (usually within 8 seconds), a designer has more flexibility when it comes to diagnostics, altering start up scenarios, hardware diagnostics, shut downs, and much more.

8. Security
Since the RTX driver exists within the Kernel Mode Layer (home to the Windows Executive Services), all user applications are prevented from making any modifications to the RTX sub-system (RTSS), thus providing a layer of protection to the driver and its processes. Additionally, an RTX "destroy" process can be utilized to "erase" data stored on disk, providing a highly secure environment.

9. Simplifies DOS to Windows Migration
RTX, like DOS, follows a simple driver model with Direct Write and Port I/O capabilities that would reduce the learning curve for developers familiar with DOS systems.

10. Valuable Training and Support
Clear and concise training classes taught in a small, hands-on environment enable students to quickly become productive with RTX. A UK support team, backed by a staff of experts at Venturcom's European HQ is available to answer any Technical Support questions that may arise during the development and/or deployment of an RTX application.

If you're thinking of using Windows XPe in your next project, then why not evaluate the RTX toolset? Simply contact Direct Insight, IntervalZero's (formerly Ardence and Venturcom) UK partner, using the "Take the next step" at the bottom of this page, or call 01295 768800.