Re: [gentoo-embedded] Some good words for Gentoo embedded?

[Ed W <lists@wildgooses.com>]

On 09/12/2010 20:18, Kfir Lavi wrote:
> Hi,
> I'm using Gentoo for few years now, and had some experience in the 
> past with Gentoo embedded.
> Now I'm facing a customer that wants explanation why using Gentoo as 
> an embedded system will be a good choice.
> How do you shrink a 10 years experience to half an hour talk to people 
> that think Ubuntu is a good embedded choice.
> I'm guessing they will ask for type of distros for embedded compared 
> to Gentoo.
> From my head I know just by name Buildroot and Montavista.
>
> What will be the major points I need to  make in order to convert 
> their minds from Ubuntu to Gentoo embedded?
> Could you share also some of your experience with Gentoo Embedded?
>
> Thinking about it, its very hard for me to contemplate in words "Why 
> Gentoo?" for people that don't understand Linux, but are educated and 
> very experienced in software.

I do get the impression that when people start talking about "distros" 
they usually loose sight that they are all 98% the same software, only 
slightly different versions and perhaps slightly different config 
files... Now for sure that can make a visible difference, especially the 
default configs for desktop apps, but one way or another, the question 
is really about the "best" way to get a bunch of software compiled and 
installed on your device?

I like gentoo for situations where:
- Skilled developer available
- Customisable solution is desired
- Tightly controlled deployment environment
- Repeatable build environment required

I think gentoo is far less acceptable if there isn't a skilled developer 
available to help maintain and develop it... Probably that's my main 
suggestion on how to size your project?

However, if that developer/administrator is available, then Gentoo is a 
marvellous solution for quickly building few MB custom solution, or a 
60MB virtual server base installation, or whatever other customised 
environment you desire?

Good luck

Ed W