Implementing power management in any system is a complex task. Power management software is a crucial component in battery-powered systems. Conserving power in this manner extends battery life.

In embedded Linux power management activities require specific intervention on the part of the Linux kernel and device drivers. Anyway, while low-level implementation of power management is resident in the OS kernel, power management strategy can occur from middleware and user-application code.

Power management greatly benefits the system in terms of enhanced battery life, leading to greater efficiency. One of the causes why OEMs use Linux is the opportunity to reduce time-to-market and meet end-users.

See also: Power management.