Timesys vs Data Respons: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
Data Respons (4.2/5) edges ahead of Timesys (4.2/5) overall. Data Respons is the better choice for nordic and European clients needing embedded work across multiple regulated sectors. Timesys is the stronger option for teams needing embedded Linux security and long-term maintenance expertise. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
Timesys vs Data Respons: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | Timesys | Data Respons |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1996 | 1986 |
| HQ | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA | Høvik, Norway |
| Team size | 51–200 | 1,400 |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Nearly three-decade specialization in embedded Linux security and long-term-support tooling, now under Lynx Software Technologies | Nordic embedded specialist with nearly 40 years of history across eight distinct industry sectors, now backed by Akkodis' scale |
| Pricing model | Engineering services, tooling licenses | Fixed project, dedicated team |
| Min. engagement | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Primary tech stack | Embedded Linux (Yocto), C/C++, Linux kernel security patching | Embedded Linux, C/C++, RTOS |
| Industries served | Industrial IoT, Medical devices, Networking, Consumer Electronics | Transportation & Automotive, Telecom & Media, Energy & Maritime, Medtech, Defense & Security |
Timesys vs Data Respons: overview
Timesys
Timesys Corporation was founded in 1996 by principals associated with Carnegie Mellon University and built one of the first real-time-enhanced embedded Linux distributions. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with roughly 60 employees, Timesys built a long-running specialty in embedded Linux security, engineering services, and long-term maintenance tooling. In December 2023 the company was acquired by Lynx Software Technologies, and buyers evaluating Timesys today should confirm current organizational structure and service continuity directly, since acquisitions of this kind typically bring some integration transition period.
Data Respons
Data Respons was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Høvik, Norway, developing embedded systems across transport & automotive, telecom & media, industrial automation, energy & maritime, medtech, space, defense & security, and finance & public sectors, with offices in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Taiwan and roughly 1,400 employees. AKKA Technologies acquired Data Respons through a compulsory share acquisition completed in May 2020, delisting it from the Oslo Stock Exchange; AKKA itself was subsequently folded into Akkodis (part of the Adecco Group). Data Respons retains a genuinely embedded-focused practice despite the ownership changes, distinguishing it from broader generalist consultancies that added embedded as a side practice.
Services and capabilities: Timesys vs Data Respons
| Capability | Timesys | Data Respons |
|---|---|---|
| RTOS firmware development | ✓ | ✓ |
| Embedded Linux (Yocto/BuildRoot) | ✓ | ✓ |
| FPGA programming (Verilog/VHDL) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hardware & PCB / electrical engineering | ✗ | ✓ |
| IoT connectivity & protocols | ✗ | ✓ |
| Edge AI / on-device ML | ✗ | ✗ |
| Embedded GUI development | ✗ | ✗ |
| Cybersecurity & secure boot | ✓ | ✗ |
| Staff augmentation / team extension | ✗ | ✗ |
Tech stack comparison: Timesys vs Data Respons
| Framework / platform | Timesys | Data Respons |
|---|---|---|
| FreeRTOS | N/A | N/A |
| Zephyr | N/A | N/A |
| Embedded Linux | ✓ | ✓ |
| AUTOSAR | N/A | N/A |
| AWS | N/A | N/A |
| Bluetooth | N/A | N/A |
| LoRaWAN | N/A | N/A |
| CAN bus | N/A | N/A |
| Qt | N/A | N/A |
| Verilog | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: Timesys vs Data Respons
| Criterion | Timesys | Data Respons |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Engagement models | Engineering services, Tooling/licensing | Fixed project, Dedicated team |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: Timesys vs Data Respons
| Dimension | Timesys | Data Respons |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Industrial IoT, Medical devices, Networking | Transportation & Automotive, Telecom & Media, Energy & Maritime |
| Best use cases | Products requiring long-term embedded Linux security patching and CVE monitoring, Real-time Linux systems needing specialist kernel-level engineering | Maritime or defense programs needing embedded systems with Nordic regulatory familiarity, Medtech products requiring embedded engineering across a multi-sector specialist team |
| Typical project type | Engineering services | Fixed project |
Timesys vs Data Respons: pros and cons
| Timesys | |
|---|---|
| + | Nearly 30 years of embedded Linux specialization, among the longest track records on this list |
| + | Named expertise in embedded Linux security patching and long-term maintenance, an underserved niche most generalists don't cover deeply |
| + | Founding team's Carnegie Mellon research background underpins its real-time Linux heritage |
| - | Acquired by Lynx Software Technologies in December 2023 — buyers should confirm current service continuity and organizational structure directly, since post-acquisition integration periods can affect delivery |
| - | Team size (~60) limits capacity for very large concurrent programs |
| - | Public pricing and minimum engagement are not disclosed |
| Data Respons | |
|---|---|
| + | Nearly 40 years of embedded systems specialization across eight distinct sectors, from maritime to medtech to defense |
| + | Nordic regional presence (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) plus Germany and Taiwan offices supports European and APAC delivery |
| + | Now backed by Akkodis (Adecco Group) scale while retaining a genuinely embedded-focused delivery team |
| - | Acquired by AKKA Technologies in 2020 (delisted from Oslo Stock Exchange) and subsequently folded into Akkodis — buyers should confirm which legacy Data Respons teams and processes remain intact |
| - | 1,400-employee scale sits below the largest global engineering firms for very large concurrent programs |
| - | Public pricing and minimum engagement figures are not disclosed |
Who should choose Timesys?
A typical fit: products requiring long-term embedded Linux security patching and CVE monitoring.
Nearly three-decade specialization in embedded Linux security and long-term-support tooling, now under Lynx Software Technologies. Minimum engagement starts at Not disclosed. Works best with clients in Industrial IoT, Medical devices, Networking, Consumer Electronics.
Who should choose Data Respons?
A typical fit: maritime or defense programs needing embedded systems with Nordic regulatory familiarity.
Nordic embedded specialist with nearly 40 years of history across eight distinct industry sectors, now backed by Akkodis' scale. Minimum engagement starts at Not disclosed. Works best with clients in Transportation & Automotive, Telecom & Media, Energy & Maritime, Medtech, Defense & Security.
Decision matrix: Timesys vs Data Respons
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | Data Respons |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | Data Respons |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: Timesys (Not disclosed) vs Data Respons (Not disclosed) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | Data Respons |
| You need staff augmentation or team extension | Neither; consider alternatives that offer staff aug |
| You need consulting before committing to a build | Timesys |
Use case fit: Timesys vs Data Respons
| Use case | Timesys fit | Data Respons fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Products requiring long-term embedded Linux security patching and CVE monitoring | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
| Real-time Linux systems needing specialist kernel-level engineering | Strong | Limited | Timesys |
| Maritime or defense programs needing embedded systems with Nordic regulatory familiarity | Limited | Strong | Data Respons |
| Medtech products requiring embedded engineering across a multi-sector specialist team | Limited | Strong | Data Respons |
| Fixed-price build | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
| Staff augmentation | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
Verdict: Timesys vs Data Respons
Data Respons (4.2/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Embedded Software projects. Nordic embedded specialist with nearly 40 years of history across eight distinct industry sectors, now backed by Akkodis' scale.
Timesys (4.2/5) is worth a look if you need real-time Linux systems needing specialist kernel-level engineering. If your situation matches that, Timesys is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
Timesys vs Data Respons FAQ
Is Timesys better than Data Respons?
Data Respons (4.2/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. Timesys's strongest advantage: nearly 30 years of embedded Linux specialization, among the longest track records on this list. Data Respons's strongest advantage: nearly 40 years of embedded systems specialization across eight distinct sectors, from maritime to medtech to defense.
How do Timesys and Data Respons differ in pricing?
Timesys uses engineering services, tooling licenses pricing with a minimum engagement of Not disclosed. Data Respons uses fixed project, dedicated team pricing with a minimum engagement of Not disclosed. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: Timesys or Data Respons?
Timesys is the larger team and typically the better enterprise-scale choice. For very large programmes, verify team size and compliance coverage directly with each company before shortlisting.
What are the main differences between Timesys and Data Respons?
Timesys's primary differentiator is: nearly three-decade specialization in embedded Linux security and long-term-support tooling, now under Lynx Software Technologies. Data Respons's primary differentiator is: nordic embedded specialist with nearly 40 years of history across eight distinct industry sectors, now backed by Akkodis' scale. They also differ in team size (51–200 vs 1,400), minimum engagement (Not disclosed vs Not disclosed), and primary industries served (Industrial IoT, Medical devices vs Transportation & Automotive, Telecom & Media).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.