µPMOS does not know of applications. It does offer basic system features like events and signals but neither makes use of them nor provides a monolithic application environment. In order to pave the way for high-level application development, the OS must be extended by an Application Environment (AE). µPMOS is distributed with our ObjectWorkplace Embedded AE (OWP AE) by default.

The OWP AE adds many new classes to the system which extend the OS with features like enhanced data types (lists, tables, collections), message boxes for event driven applications, streams for simplified I/O, data transaction protocols and other base services. These base classes enable the development of even the most complex embedded application.

In addition, the OWP AE defines classes that implement advanced features for applications like graphics and text mode user interfaces with screen controls, presentation areas (windows) and high-level concepts of system use as support for documents and their parts. This enables programmers the development of high-level applications with efficient user interfaces.

Many different aspects of application design must be addressed by an AE. In order to thoroughly define all requirements in an orderly fashion, the OWP AE bases on an own standard. Refer to the website www.objectworkplace.org where the evolution of the standard is documented and to the ObjectWorkplace AE Specification for a detailed description of the AE.

FDE and OWP AE complement each other that is, the DE transparently integrates into the AE and all classes introduced by the AE are natively available for use by the programmer through DE services: Both environments appear as one functional entity and make µPMOS a highly adaptable, directly programmable and coherent system. Refer to the ObjectWorkplace Programming Guide and Reference regarding the pratical use of this versatile environment.