BlackBerry-owned QNX Software Systems released a new version of its OS for medical devices.

QNX OS for Medical 1.1 supports both single-core and multi-core devices based on ARMv7 and Intel x86 processors.The QNX OS for Medical 1.1 complies with the IEC 62304 medical device standard for software life cycle processes and is designed to help manufacturers reduce the cost of developing things like robotic surgical instruments, patient monitoring systems, infusion pumps, blood analysis systems, and other products that must pass stringent regulatory approval.

“When it comes to medical device software, the OS sets the tone: unless it provides the architecture to enable reliable operation and a clear audit trail to substantiate claims about its dependability, the entire process of device approval can be put in jeopardy,” said Grant Courville, director of product management at QNX Software Systems. “By providing an OS that has been independently verified to comply with the IEC 62304 standard, we are helping manufacturers reduce the cost and effort of developing devices that require regulatory approval from agencies such as the FDA, MDD, and MHRA.”

The OS supports both single-core and multi-core devices based on ARMv7 and Intel x86 processors, and it offers API compatibility with other members of the QNX OS family, enabling a high degree of software re-use.