The package mechanism makes it possible to choose which components to include in the final operating system. For example, it's possible to choose whether or not to include a shell, the web server, or any other element. This will automatically create a directory tree which reflects the final filesystem of ETLinux. This system is very flexible, as modifications may be made to the sources of the packages, or new packages may be added. Furthermore, it is possible to keep the largest packages, like libc, precompiled, in order to avoid excessive waiting for compiles.
Future developments etlinux is a constantly evolving platform.
As previously mentioned, a version which utilizes GNU glibc 2.1.2 is under development, which will allow the productive use of multi threaded programs. There are a variety of other new things in the works, all with the goal of making etlinux the platform of choice for developing embedded systems on Linux. The principal objection that has always been raised against Open Source by businesses, the lack of rapid and qualified technical support, has been demonstrated to be completely unfounded. Infact, the number of organizations that offer commercial support at all levels is growing. The advantages of adopting a free platform such as Linux, are by now so obvious that it isn't difficult to foresee that this expanding phenomenon is destined to gain an ever more substantial share of the market.