Support and enhanced cybersecurity powers the next generation of smart devices

SECO S.p.A. has launched Clea OS v2.0, a major evolution of its Yocto-based, hardware-agnostic embedded operating system. Version 2.0 becomes the default embedded Linux distro for all new SECO hardware products, delivering a unified and powerful foundation for innovation across both Arm and x86 architectures.

Assisting customers throughout their product lifecycle, Clea OS allows the deployment of value-added services at the edge, such as remote OS and application updates, opening new scenarios for service offerings and recurring revenue streams. These services can include everything from optimised AI workloads and improved security to integrated payment systems. By building on the OS, companies can greatly reduce complexity, costs, and risks associated with meeting stringent new standards, while delivering new services to end-users.

In response to escalating cybersecurity threats, including device vulnerabilities, insecure communication, and data breaches, this new version provides a solid foundation for intelligent devices. As an integral part of the comprehensive Clea Framework, it is developed to help OEMs accelerate development, meet emerging cybersecurity regulations, and reduce the total cost of ownership.

This new release model makes the OS ready for the future of digital product regulation. With the upcoming enforcement of new legal frameworks, such as the EU's CRA and the RED, which prescribe mandatory cybersecurity provisions for connected devices, Clea OS v2.0 provides a clear and streamlined path to compliance. The cybersecurity services package, offered under licence, will enable OEMs to directly address key regulatory requirements, such as the automated generation of a Software BOM as mandated by the CRA, alongside integrated vulnerability management and regular security patching. For customers with advanced needs, thanks to the company's partnership with Exein – a leading company in embedded security – premium AI-based solutions for device monitoring and protection are also available.

The OS is designed to support the introduction of a formal Long-Term Support (LTS) model, which will be made available with the next updates. Clea OS v2.0 will be delivered as a direct update for all the company's hardware devices currently under an active maintenance plan. This new structure provides a stable and secure software foundation for the entire product lifetime. Customers will benefit from quarterly updates published in the public code repository, which include not only new features and bug fixes, but also crucial CVE patching to address relevant security vulnerabilities. All changes are managed through a robust CI/CD pipeline and are meticulously tracked and documented with detailed release notes, delivering full transparency and simplifying maintenance. While it provides this comprehensive support framework, customers retain the flexibility to evolve their own operating system, manage integration testing, and handle their update lifecycle independently.

"With Clea OS 2.0, we are fundamentally lowering the barrier for OEMs to build and maintain secure, future-proof devices," stated Marco Sogli, head of Software at SECO. "By providing a powerful, regularly updated, and cyber-resilient OS for free, we empower our customers to focus on their core applications, accelerate their time-to-market, and navigate the complex regulatory landscape with confidence. This release reaffirms our commitment to making advanced technology accessible and easy to adopt."