TenAsys is developing a real-time virtual-machine manager based on the built-in virtualization technology extensions of Intel's new multi-core processors. TenAsys says its RT-Hypervisor, available later this year, will isolate multiple operating environments on an Intel processor, ensuring real-time determinism and improved control over hardware and interrupt resources for "guest" RTOSes (real-time operating systems).

Unlike the company's INtime real-time extension, which runs side-by-side with Windows, RT-Hypervisor will implement an "early boot" mechanism that creates a transparent virtual machine layer that treats all operating systems, including Windows, as "guests" OSes. The companion RTOSes could be Windows CE, VxWorks, or even "legacy" applications that don't require an OS.

"It's the operating system's operating system," said Kim Hartman, VP of marketing and sales at TenAsys.

RT-Hypervisor will allow the partitioning of hardware resources for the exclusive use of a single operating system, according to the company. For example, in a system with two network interface controllers (NIC), where one is allocated exclusively to an RTOS, "Windows wouldn't even see that NIC," Hartman said.

In parallel with RT-Hypervisor development, TenAsys is also integrating virtualization technology into its INtime Windows real-time extension product, the company said. One of the features this will provide is the ability to automatically reboot Windows in the event that it hangs, according to the company.

RT-Hypervisor is expected to be available "sometime this year," the company said.