And the winners are...

In the May/June 2001 issue of Embedded Linux Journal, we announced our second contest, ``Using the NIC as an Embedded System'' (see the Contest Rules and Overview on page 8 of that issue for specific details). We have chosen the 20 finalists based on their proposals and are shipping their computers. Their final entries are due on February 4, 2002 in the form of a web site, and the grand prize winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Costa Rica. Two runners up will each receive a Lego Mindstorms package, consisting of the Lego Mindstorms Robotics Invention System, Mindstorms Vision Command, The Unofficial Guide to Lego Mindstorms Robots and the Lego Mindstorms Ultimate Accessory Set.

Well, here they are, the winners for the NIC contest. First, let me say that we had a lot of really good entries. Knowing that we only had 20 systems available, we tried to distribute the winning ideas to various industry areas. Thus, you will see home systems, industrial testing systems, retail systems, kiosks and at least one system just for fun.

Additionally, some of the ideas included the construction of additional custom hardware. This shows, as I expected, that we aren't just a bunch of programmers. Like most embedded engineers, we see the need to combine hardware and software design to create the right product.

Thanks to everyone for entering; it was great reading all the ideas. It will continue to be interesting to see how the 20 selected proposals develop into systems.

Because of space limitations, this list of finalists lacks a lot of details. Check out the ELJ web site for specifics.