Philip Wernersbach, Lead Pack4Linux Developer/Maintainer, and Glen Wernersbach, Pack4Linux Implementer

While the technological features of a real time system are key, it means nothing unless users can easily deploy and use the system. In this article, we explain the challenges of deploying an RTAI system, including patching the kernel, installing the user space libraries, and tuning the system to be fast and secure. We explain how Pack4Linux addresses all of these problems and packages a ready-to-deploy RTAI system in a Live CD. We also show how Pack4Linux is used by Jacobs Automation in their PackTrak systems to ensure mission critical packaging lines.