Smiths Aerospace selected the Simics virtualized software development platform from Virtutech, San Jose, Calif., which Smiths says will allow it to accelerate development for integrated modular avionics programs. Simics provides a scaleable platform for embedded software testing and debugging. With Simics, an integrator can model the final target system to provide benefits compared to a traditional development, including reduced development and test costs, reduced integration costs and lower acquisition and maintenance costs, Smiths said. “Simics allows us to test our software and validate it while the underlying hardware design is being developed,” said Gerry Vossler, vice president, Advanced Marketing and Technology, Smiths Aerospace. “Having to wait for physical access to hardware still in design makes managing the integration of software from multiple sources extremely difficult. But by simulating the processing hardware with Simics, the development, integration and validation of the control software modifications can proceed ahead of hardware availability.” More