5 Reasons to Consider an Alternative to Linux for Your Medical Device

Medical device designers have become increasingly interested in the Linux® operating system (OS), largely because of its open source model. Linux lets the designer leverage a large pool of developers, a rich legacy of source code, and industry-standard POSIX APIs.
But Linux may not be the right choice for all projects, especially safety-critical medical devices such as those used in blood diagnostics, ultrasound imaging, infusion delivery, heart monitoring and resuscitation, and robotic surgery. For these demanding applications, the standard Linux kernel can't deliver the safety-critical capabilities that many medical embedded devices require.
Not every medical device application requires a safety-certified operating system. For many of those applications, Linux can be an appropriate option. But for life- or safety-critical embedded systems that must operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without failure, the QNX OS for Medical is a proven, reliable choice.