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Embedded System Support for European SMEs launched

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The Centre for VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) and Computer Graphics in the School of Engineering is involved in three European consortia, funded by the European Commission's Open Microprocessor systems Initiative (OMI). Professor Paul Lister and his colleagues Dr Mike McNeill, Dr Graham Dunnett and Dr Martin White have received funding of 100k ECU which has enabled the Centre to offer electronic system design support services for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in the UK.

EUROMIC and DOMINIC are consortia which act as networks, pooling services, technology and design experience. IUN2 is a consortium of University partners that are offering similar dissemination and awareness activities for European universities.

Traditionally it has been difficult for SMEs to bring products to market containing complex embedded systems. However within Europe in the last few years many embedded microprocessor system components and design tools have been developed under the scope of the OMI. To increase the awareness of this and similar technology amongst SMEs, and to increase its accessibility the EUROMIC and DOMINIC consortia have been established. The Sussex team is running one-day seminars in the UK that include detailed technology discussions and advice on obtaining ESPRIT funding specially designed for small and medium enterprises.

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Friday February 28th 1997