>> ARM DEVELOPER.MBED.ORG - WHEN CLOUD SERVICES FAIL

I knew this was going to happen one day - good news, there are alternatives.

It seems that Easter isn't too joyful for a number of developers writing software for ARM's mbed OS - with many users reporting down time for the web based compiler that the company offers for quick, easy to use rapid development environment for various ARM based micro-controllers.

The good news is that there are a number of off-line tools (gcc, IAR, et al) available - if needed.

I have been tinkering with the Nordic Semiconductor nRF51-DK and I was slapped with the server outage today so I explored my options - I went with the gcc4mbed tool chain as there is nothing like good old Makefiles to develop embedded code with! I found the installation simple and painless - it could not get easier if you tried to find an alternative.

The only catch?

You need to have a pretty recent backup of your code. Hopefully the server outage doesn't tarnish the reputation within the developer community around mbed OS - there are already a few irate people venting their frustrations. The Easter bunny needs to go and fix the server!