Never-ending demands for increased performance in real-time embedded systems drive system integrators to exploit cutting-edge technology, though new devices may be moving targets and software tools may be far from stable. Facing tough time-to-market pressure, budget constraints on development resources, and no tolerance for trial and error, today’s project managers are urgently seeking lower-risk embedded system development strategies. Savvy board vendors can help customers overcome these obstacles by designing products for ease of use, delivering intuitive and effective software tools, and offering services to help ease critical tasks. Examples of some successful initiatives include modular hardware architectures with strategic ports and hooks, enhanced Board Support Packages (BSPs) for complex peripheral functions, high-level tools for developing and installing custom algorithms on FPGAs, and complete subsystem offerings to handle critical sections of a larger system.