Advancing safety-critical Linux

Canonical is proud to announce it is joining the ELISA (Enabling Linux in Safety Applications) project. By joining ELISA, Canonical will work side-by-side with other industry leaders to make Linux a trusted and dependable option for safety-critical environments.

ELISA for Linux in safety-critical systems

ELISA seeks the establishment of comprehensive guidelines and robust processes for members to work towards approaches for deploying Linux in safety-critical systems. ELISA continuously scrutinises the evolving landscape of technology in order to define foundational approaches and best-practice standards for implementing Linux securely, especially in situations where a system failure could lead to serious damage to property or the environment, or result in the loss of human lives. In short, ELISA helps Linux systems meet the certification standards for spaces where failure is not an option.

“As the demand for safety-critical integrated embedded systems increases, the Linux operating system’s role continues to grow.  The ELISA community allows forward-thinking organisations to collaborate on establishing best practices when working with Linux across industries and markets,” said Kate Stewart, Vice President of Dependable Embedded Systems at the Linux Foundation. “We are excited for Canonical to join our ecosystem and showcase the widening interest and impact in Linux safety-critical applications.”

By fostering collaboration among industry leaders, ELISA’s mission is to confront the growing demand for rigorous safety standards and to ensure that Linux can comply with them. Its strategic focus extends across pivotal sectors, including automotive, medical, industrial automation, and robotics. The widespread adoption across these and many other industries is exciting and holds immense promise, but it also demands a heightened commitment to safety imperatives, to ensure that open source tools can safely take on challenges where human lives and the environment are at stake.

“Through its concerted efforts, ELISA is seeking to bridge the gap between technological needs and safety considerations, thereby ensuring that Linux emerges as a trusted and reliable choice for critical systems”, says Pierre Guillemin, VP of Engineering Excellence at Canonical. “By taking advantage of the shared expertise of industry leaders, the consortium seeks to tackle the wide range of challenges inherent in the use of Linux in safety-critical industries. In doing so, ELISA paves the way for transformative advancements, announcing a future where Linux thrives in safety-critical environments with unparalleled reliability and resilience.”

Canonical, pioneering excellence in open source

Ubuntu is the industry pace-setter in open source trust, stability and security. But Canonical’s commitment to innovation and excellence does not end there. 

Canonical’s engineering team has adopted the use of independent quality indicators such as TIOBE TQI to benchmark and improve software quality. This is complemented by adherence to ISO standards for cybersecurity (ISO 21434) and functional safety (ISO 26262), and substantial contributions to automotive-grade systems.  

“As Canonical embarks on this collaborative journey with ELISA, we’re driven by a strong commitment to advancing functional safety on Linux. Our dedication to quality, security, and safety aligns seamlessly with ELISA’s mission, and we’re excited to contribute our expertise to this significant initiative”, says Bertrand Boisseau, Automotive Sector Lead at Canonical.

Reaching safety Linux, a collaborative journey

Canonical and other ELISA members are set on an ambitious path to define new benchmarks in the realm of safety standards for Linux. The pursuit of ISO 26262 compliance is central to their vision to ensure the utmost reliability and safety in critical industries. By aligning their efforts towards this goal, the consortium is aiming to enter a transformative era where safety-critical Linux can demonstrate that it can meet and even exceed stringent regulatory requirements.

To learn more about Canonical and our engagement in automotive: 

• Download our whitepaper on automotive industry trends 
• Check out our webpage
• Contact Us
• More automotive software updates and news
• Watch a joint webinar with Elektrobit: Unlocking software-defined vehicles: a deep dive into automotive software