Evaluation Tools

You already know that Keil make evaluation tools (limited in the amount of generated code) that end-users can download from the web site. In many cases, the evaluation software works perfectly for end-users and chip vendors alike. However, there are cases when a chip vendor may want to redistribute the Keil evaluation tools on a CD-ROM produced by the chip vendor.

Keil allows legitimate chip vendors to duplicate and redistribute the evaluation software (either a standard evaluation package or a customized one) according to the terms of a license and non-disclosure agreement.

Standard Evaluation Package

This package includes the standard evaluation tools limited as explained on the Keil web site. There is no charge for this evaluation package.

We will perform the following tasks prior to Master CDR delivery.

Customized Device Database that includes only devices you manufacture.
Removal of as much competitive information as possible. (We will not modify manuals to remove competitive details.)
Limited technical assistance in producing the CD-ROM. (We will provide you with a Master CDR containing the Keil Evaluation Tools.)

You must agree to our license and non-disclosure agreement before we provide you with a Master CDR.

Customized Evaluation Package

This package includes tools that exceed the limitations of the evaluation tools. This typically includes a 4K-limited compiler and/or assembler or some other extended limitation. There is a charge for this evaluation package based on units distributed.

We will perform the following tasks prior to Master CDR delivery.

Customized Device Database that includes only devices you manufacture.
Removal of as much competitive information as possible. (We will not modify manuals to remove competitive details.)
Limited technical assistance in producing the CD-ROM. (We will provide you with a Master CDR containing the Keil Evaluation Tools.)

You must agree to our license and non-disclosure agreement before we provide you with a Master CDR.

Tips

When redistributing the Keil tools, here are a few suggestions that will make your CD more successful.

Create your own example programs and add them to the \KEIL\C???\EXAMPLES folder. They will be installed along with the tools.
Include your latest datasheets and applications notes on the CD.
Add video tutorials or other multimedia to the CD.
Create a simple-to-use CD Browser (Demo Shield works well).

Advantages

There are numerous advantages to working with the Keil tools.

Keil tools provide a complete start-to-finish solution for embedded developers. Startup code, configuration wizards, complete examples, and a sophisticated test platform help ensure the user's success.
Technical support articles are created and published online on a daily basis. Articles for new devices and boards are immediately available to users and are indexed by all popular search engines within days of their posting.
Chip information is added to the Device Database which is published on the web and included in the Keil µVision IDE. Developers use this resource to locate other development tools for the chips they use.
Assembler, compiler, and linker configuration options for each device are automatically obtained from the Device Database when a user starts a new project. This improves the out-of-box success rate and shortcuts the learning curve.

Caveats

The only disadvantage to distributing the Keil tools is that they are updated frequently (due to the number of new devices and customer-requested features that are added). These will not get back-integrated into the CD you ship.

Conclusion

Distributing the Keil tools on your CD has numerous advantages, especially when you consider that we can remove competitive information. A tightly-coupled tools CD with tools that work generate end-user confidence in your devices and evaluation system.

Please contact us if you have questions.