Embedded software is all around us, whether at work or at home. This software, also known as firmware, is put permanently on specified hardware, resulting in a single piece of embedded software. Only each electrical device’s original embedded software allows it to execute “smart” tasks.
All household appliances, including washing machines, microwaves, digital TVs, video cameras, mobile phones, and other electronics, as well as monitors, printers, routers, digital cameras, flash memory sticks, headphones, and other computer peripherals, are built around embedded software.
According to MarketsAndMarkets research, it is estimated that the embedded system market size will surpass USD 116.2 billion by 2025 from USD 86.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1 percent over the period.
Benefits Around Embedded Software Development
Required Less Power to Operate
As the size of embedded hardware is small and the software is usually designed to perform small or very specific tasks. Thus, the majority of embedded processes will function on a low-power system.
Compact in Size
When compared to standard computers, embedded systems are substantially smaller in size making them highly compact and portable, as well as suitable for mass production. Embedded software systems provide faster performance and reduce the loading time as the system size is small and focuses on managing fewer elements.
Cost-Effective
The material which is used in the embedded system needs much less power to operate. When all the elements in the embedded software system consume less power, then it will ultimately save a lot of money after installation. Moreover, the system elements are smaller in size, so the production of each element would cost less as well.
Easy Management Process
Because the components used to create embedded devices are inexpensive and long-lasting, they are relatively simple to manage. Furthermore, they necessitate less upkeep. However, because embedded systems can be complicated, they may necessitate the services of a skilled embedded systems engineer who is familiar with all parts of the systems and knows how to resolve issues.
Challenges of Embedded Software Development
Embedded software is always part of a larger system, such as a digital watch, smartphone, automobile, or piece of automated industrial equipment. Such embedded solutions must respond in real-time under all conditions within the design timeframe and work with limited memory, computing power, and power supply. Furthermore, embedded software must be resistant to changes in its operational environment, which can include processors, sensors, and physical components. Portability and autonomy are two other difficult requirements for embedded software.
Security Challenge
Security is the most significant aspect of concern for embedded software development and has become a burning problem in the modern world. Security was the most concerning problem in 2020, particularly in relation to malware and ransomware attacks, data leaks, financial losses, intellectual property infringement, and sensitive informal leaks. The risks associated with IoT devices increase substantially as they become more prevalent and networked around the world. Because modern home appliances such as electric stoves, refrigerators, and washing machines come equipped with networking features by default, the Internet of Things is now vulnerable to hacker assaults.
The problem with embedded system security is somehow connected to four major aspects:
- Deficiency of in-built security patch
- Inefficient security protocol
- Lack of user awareness
- Improper system updates
Stability Challenge
The end software is expected to be stable in nature as it holds the utmost importance in any system. No one wants embedded software to be unstable and behave unusually which would raise a serious question mark on embedded device security. End users want embedded software to behave consistently under all conditions and to last for an extended period of time without requiring maintenance.
Market Challenge
In embedded software development, especially in the IoT segment, time-to-market and time-to-revenue have always been difficult benchmarks. As a result, the apps and platforms expected to serve a large number of IoT devices are expected to reach 13.8 billion in 2021 and 30 billion by 2025, according to a Statista report.
Due to the rapid development of the IoT market, the fabrication of hardware components housing embedded software requires exceptional integration and adaptability. Forces businesses to adapt to the fast changes and embrace its flexibility and scaling. Furthermore, given the long lifespan of IoT devices, component designers must consider future modifications and releases.
Design Challenge
While developing an embedded software system a major challenge that designers face is to design the whole system in a compact form factor, while keeping the processing power high and consuming low energy for longer battery life. And stable performance for a long period of time without any maintenance.
The process of achieving more performance and battery life into a small form factor is a hectic task and often turns into a tradeoff.
How to Choose an Embedded Software Development Service Provider?
Searching for the right service provider may be hard but it’s important for organizations for successful embedded system development. Here are some qualified key steps and criteria worth considering for choosing the ideal embedded software development partner:
- Make a list of possible embedded software development providers and evaluate them based on their experience, service quality, and security standards.
- Do detailed background research of vendors like how robust their portfolio is or the number of successful projects delivered in different industries.
- The size of the potential partner firm matters. Because mid-size and giant providers are more likely to have the internal recruiting capabilities and resources you require.
- Finally, examine the embedded systems development skills of your future partner’s employees. Since the highly skilled personnel can derive fruitful results, you desire.
Originally published at https://apptread.com on May 19, 2022.
