Panasonic invests in Linux company

Panasonic, the consumer-electronics powerhouse, has invested in embedded Linux seller MontaVista Software. MontaVista produces versions of Linux and associated programming tools for non-PC computing devices such as network routers, handheld computers and automatic teller machines. Sunnyvale, Calif.-based MontaVista announced the investment Tuesday, but didn't disclose how much Panasonic is investing. MontaVista announced a $28 million investment in January from Sony, IBM, and previous investors including U.S. Venture Partners, Alloy Ventures, Intel Capital, RRE Ventures and WR Hambrecht.

Panasonic is a subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial.