Zephyr Real-Time Operating System Ten-Year Report

This report is a comprehensive analysis marking the 10th anniversary of the Zephyr real-time operating system (RTOS). It examines the evolution of Zephyr from its inception to its current status as a foundational platform for embedded development across various industries. The report utilizes survey data and qualitative interviews to provide insights into Zephyr's adoption, technical footprint, and ecosystem dynamics. It outlines how organizations perceive Zephyr's role in their long-term product strategies and decision-making processes. Key findings indicate that Zephyr has achieved operational maturity, being widely deployed in production environments characterized by constrained hardware and long product lifecycles. The report also identifies challenges such as long-term maintenance, onboarding difficulties, and the importance of security and certifications. It emphasizes that the future success of Zephyr will depend on maintaining ecosystem health and addressing these challenges while continuing to support diverse deployment contexts.