TinyOS : Ubuntu Mini Me?

TinyOS is an open-source operating system designed for wireless embedded sensor networks. It features a component-based architecture which enables rapid innovation and implementation while minimizing code size as required by the severe memory constraints inherent in sensor networks. TinyOS's component library includes network protocols, distributed services, sensor drivers, and data acquisition tools – all of which can be used as-is or be further refined for a custom application. TinyOS's event-driven execution model enables fine-grained power management yet allows the scheduling flexibility made necessary by the unpredictable nature of wireless communication and physical world interfaces.

TinyOS has been ported to over a dozen platforms and numerous sensor boards. A wide community uses it in simulation to develop and test various algorithms and protocols. New releases see over 10,000 downloads. Over 500 research groups and companies are using TinyOS on the Berkeley/Crossbow Motes. Numerous groups are actively contributing code to the sourceforge site and working together to establish standard, interoperable network services built from a base of direct experience and honed through competitive analysis in an open environment.