IBM has announced a technology aimed at helping to extend the use of open, standards-based Linux and Java software to consumer electronic products such as PDAs and other handheld devices.

According to IBM, it has combined many of the underlying hardware components used by such products into a single "reference design" centered around the IBM PowerPC 405LP microprocessor to help extend battery life. The company said the hardware is complemented by power-saving software, including MontaVista Linux Consumer Electronic Edition (CEE) and embedded middleware from IBM, providing an integrated solution from which manufacturers may be able to more quickly and easily create a final product.

The integrated hardware/software solution is initially slated to be available through IBM Microelectronics Division. IBM Engineering & Technology Services has been selected a to help OEM manufacturers modify the reference design to their specific requirements. IBM plans to demonstrate the reference platform for the first time at the LinuxWorld trade show in New York this week.