The eLxr project has announced the first release of its open source, enterprise-grade Linux distribution for near-edge networks and workloads.

According to the project website, eLxr provides a secure and stable edge distribution, with a predictable release and update cadence that ensures its suitability for long lifecycles and long-term deployments.

In the context of edge deployments, demands such as over-the-air (OTA) updates, data aggregation, edge processing, predictive maintenance, and machine learning features, “necessitate a different architectural approach for both near-edge devices and servers,” the announcement notes. These requirements can result in the use of multiple distributions, creating a complex, heterogeneous landscape.

eLxr aims to provide a more homogeneous solution that:

• Caters to applications with stringent timing requirements.
• Relies on a smaller footprint for better performance, optimized workloads, and smaller attack surface.
• Includes built-in security features and dedicated hardware features that include secure boot, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), cryptographic engine, and more.

"With eLxr, the power and stability of Debian and its community serve as the foundation for edge-to-cloud deployments, delivering an enterprise-grade Linux distribution tailored for non-traditional use cases. This project unifies the enterprise tech stack, ensuring accessibility and scalability across edge and server projects while fostering innovation in areas such as near-edge networks," says Mark Asselstine, Principal Technologist at Wind River Systems, which contributed the initial eLxr release.

eLxr is an MIT-licensed Debian derivative, and the project’s goals of accessibility, innovation, and open source integrity ensure that users benefit from a freely available Linux without proprietary restrictions. 

Learn more at eLxr.