Distrix 2.1 provides pluggable encryption and extensibility to simplify multi-platform, real time systems development

Vancouver, BC – January 18, 2011 – Spark Integration Technologies, Inc. (Spark) has released the latest version of Distrix, Spark’s industry-leading distributed information exchange software. Designed for mixed environments where information needs to be exchanged using multiple protocols, Distrix 2.1 now supports user extensibility for encryption protocols and network communications, enhanced support for real-time operating system platforms and programming languages.

The pluggable encryption architecture greatly simplifies the development of secure, real-time distributed systems. Developers can implement and update encryption protocols without substantial re-engineering, which reduces the effort and cost of re-coding and re-testing. The Distrix open encryption protocol interface allows developers to add both commercially-available algorithms and their own. Spark provides pre-configured support for X.509 through OpenSSL.

A new open communications protocol interface is provided for developers using their own protocol stacks for distributed system communication. Distrix has out-of-the-box support for common protocols such as TCP, UDP, and Serial. With the open communications protocol interface, developers can now add protocols such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, BACnet, and CAN to Distrix for specialist applications. Built-in protocol handlers enable systems to fall back to alternative communication paths dynamically. 

For embedded system developers, Distrix now fully supports deployment on ARM 7 and ARM 9 hardware architectures with board support packages for bare metal and RTOS-based deployments. Distrix operating system support has been extended to include OpenRTOS 6.1 and RedHat Enterprise Linux 5.5. These additions extend the flexibility that system designers have when choosing architectures for distributed systems in both real-time and mixed environments.

“Interoperability challenges affect developers and integrators across a wide range of use cases in civilian and military applications. The new extensibility features of the Distrix platform have been driven by customer feedback and we’re excited to be providing solutions to customers in very different scenarios, ” said Chad Trytten, CEO of Spark Integration Technologies, Inc. “With Distrix 2.1, Spark is cementing its lead in reliable, secure, and extensible distributed information exchange software.”

A free, fully functional, 60-day trial of Distrix can be downloaded directly from Spark’s website at www.sparkintegration.com. Full documentation including tutorials, design guides, and developer API is also available from the website.

About Spark Integration Technologies

Spark Integration Technologies provides award-winning system software, graphical development tools, and technologies for developers and integrators of electronic systems.

Distrix is a platform-independent, information exchange software framework that substantially simplifies the development, integration, and deployment of complex, dynamic, real-time systems. This has allowed Spark's customers, including the US Department of Defense and manufacturers of electronic products, to deal with complex interoperability problems and rapidly create and enhance capabilities in areas of cutting edge technology. Applications include communication systems, smart sensor-based systems and unmanned vehicles. 

For more information, visit www.sparkintegration.com.

Press contact

Steve Pentin
VP Products

steve.pentin@sparkintegration.com

© 2011 Spark Integration Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. Distrix is a registered trademark of Spark Integration Technologies Inc. All other trademarks are the trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners.