Real-Time Innovations
Real-Time Innovations (RTI) provides the Connext real-time data streaming platform, built on the DDS standard, for mission-critical distributed systems in aerospace and defense, automotive, medical technology, and industrial robotics, serving 2,000+ customer designs worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersSunnyvale, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Real-Time Innovations does
Real-Time Innovations (RTI), founded in 1991 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is the original author and largest commercial implementer of the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard. Its flagship RTI Connext platform provides a decentralized, peer-to-peer real-time data streaming middleware that unifies sensors, devices, algorithms, and cloud infrastructure across intelligent physical systems, delivering deterministic, low-latency communication (as low as 39 microseconds) with over 20 configurable Quality of Service policies. The product suite includes Connext Professional (general-purpose distributed systems), Connext Drive (safety-certified software-defined vehicles), Connext Micro (resource-constrained embedded), Connext Cert (ISO 26262 and DO-178C DAL A), and Connext TSS (FACE-conformant military avionics), complemented by add-on modules for AI-assisted development, observability, security, routing, and WAN/cloud connectivity.
RTI serves mission-critical programs in aerospace and defense (400+ programs, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, BAE Systems, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Airbus Defence and Space, and 45 of the top 50 U.S. defense contractors), automotive software-defined vehicles (25+ companies, 250+ autonomous vehicle programs, 2M+ vehicles on the road; customers include Volkswagen, Audi, XPENG, Aptiv), healthcare and medical technology (Medtronic, Stryker, Moon Surgical, Mevion Medical Systems), and industrial automation and robotics (Siemens, Komatsu, GE Transportation). Revenue is generated through enterprise software licensing with annual subscriptions, recurring support and maintenance, and professional services (Xcelerators consulting and RTI Academy training), with quote-based pricing reflecting the high-value, safety-certified nature of deployments.
The company operates regional offices in Colorado, Spain (Great Place To Work certified), and Singapore, and sells via direct enterprise field sales supplemented by channel partners (notably Macnica in Japan), standards consortia participation (AUTOSAR, FACE, SOSA, COVESA, DDS Foundation), and a developer self-service trial funnel. RTI is privately held with 251–500 employees, has no disclosed venture funding rounds, and holds certifications including CMMC Level 2, ISO 26262, ISO/SAE 21434, ASPICE CL1, FACE 3.1, and DO-178C DAL A across its product lines.
Real-Time Innovations firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Real-Time Innovations
- Legal name
- Real-Time Innovations, Inc.
- Website
- https://rti.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Real-Time Innovations (RTI) provides the Connext real-time data streaming platform, built on the DDS standard, for mission-critical distributed systems in aerospace and defense, automotive, medical technology, and industrial robotics, serving 2,000+ customer designs worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Real-Time Innovations industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Real-Time Middleware Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial I/O, Signal Conditioning & Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) (IMAGABAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Embedded Software & Firmware Tools (Compilers, Debug, RTOS tooling) (HDAHAFAE)
Keywords
Where Real-Time Innovations is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sunnyvale
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Real-Time Innovations business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Connext software licensing including Connext Professional, Connext Drive, Connext Micro, Connext Cert, and Connext TSS products. Software sold with subscription support and maintenance.
- Professional Services: Xcelerators professional services providing training, consulting, mentoring, and engineering support throughout the project lifecycle. RTI Academy virtual on-demand learning platform for developers and architects.
- Support Services: Success-Plan Services providing ongoing customer success support, technical support portal, and community resources.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise software licensing with subscription and support |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Real-Time Innovations product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Real-Time Innovations (RTI) develops and sells the Connext software framework, a real-time data streaming platform built on the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard. The platform provides deterministic, peer-to-peer, low-latency middleware for intelligent physical systems in aerospace and defense, automotive (software-defined vehicles), medical technology, industrial automation, and robotics. RTI also offers safety-certified editions, AI-assisted development tools, add-on modules for security, observability, and cloud connectivity, plus professional services and training.
Product overview
RTI Connext is a modular, platform-based product suite built on the OMG Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard for real-time data streaming in intelligent physical systems. The core portfolio includes five specialized middleware products: Connext Professional (general distributed systems), Connext Drive (automotive SDVs), Connext Micro (resource-constrained systems), Connext Cert (ISO 26262/DO-178C safety-certified), and Connext TSS (FACE-conformant military avionics). These are complemented by add-on capability modules including Connext AI (LLM-powered development tools), the Observability Framework (operational monitoring), Security Extensions (encryption and security plugins), Routing Service (cross-domain communication), and WAN/Cloud Connectivity. The platform powers over 2,000 designs across aerospace/defense, automotive, healthcare, and robotics industries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Connext: RTI Connext is the world's leading real-time data streaming platform for intelligent physical systems, built on the Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard. Product suite includes Connext Professional (for time- and mission-critical distributed systems), Connext Drive (for software-defined vehicles), Connext Micro (for resource-constrained systems), Connext Cert (for ISO 26262 and DO-178C requirements), and Connext TSS (for FACE conformant systems).
- Connext AI
- RTI Academy
- Xcelerators
Products and services
- Connext Professional The flagship DDS-based middleware platform for time- and mission-critical distributed systems, providing real-time data sharing, reliability, security, and performance for intelligent physical systems across industries.
- Connext Drive
Quantifiable outcome
- Achieves local message latency as low as 39 microseconds, compared to Kafka's 2,047 microseconds
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Real-Time Innovations
Customer profileNamed customers28 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Real-Time Innovations technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability2 records
Feature6 records
Real-Time Innovations partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NVIDIAcoreRTI and NVIDIA partnership for AI-enabled medical technology and physical AI systems. RTI Connext provides data-centric communication backbone for NVIDIA Holoscan platform, addressing sensor-to-system interoperability and eliminating integration bottlenecks for real-time AI inference at the edge. Joint webinars and co-development to accelerate physical AI system development.
- MacnicacoreMacnica appointed as distributor in Japan, expanding RTI's geographic reach and channel distribution capabilities in the APAC region for automotive, defense, and industrial markets.
- VoyiscoreRTI Connext middleware adopted as data backbone for Voyis Discovery and Observer Vision Systems camera platforms used in remotely operated and autonomous subsea vehicles for commercial and defense operations. Voyis chose Connext over open-source alternatives for superior tooling, documentation, and ecosystem support.
- XPENGcoreXPENG selected RTI Connext Drive as core communication technology for next-generation E/E vehicle architecture. Starting with 2026 production models, Connext Drive manages complex data distribution across XPENG's vehicle range from high-end to entry-level models.
- Vector InformatikcoreStrategic partnership integrating RTI Connext communication framework into Vector's CANoe.DDS simulation and testing tool for DDS-based systems. Joint solution enables efficient development and validation of DDS functions for automotive, MedTech, and Industry 4.0 applications, reducing complexity and shortening development cycles.
- AnsyscoreIntegration partner for Connext Drive demonstrations at CES 2026. Ansys simulation software integrated with Connext Drive for adaptive headlamp system demonstrations, enabling early testing and simulation workflows from simulation to production.
- NXPcoreIntegration partner for Connext Drive demonstrations featuring NXP GoldBox 3 vehicle integration platform. Long-standing partnership including NXP GoldVIP S32G Vehicle Integration Platform membership and joint development for autonomous driving applications.
- AnsyscorePartnership to drive innovation in design, simulation, and deployment of mission-critical distributed systems combining Ansys simulation with RTI Connext real-time data connectivity.
- NXP SemiconductorscorePartnership to advance autonomous driving through integration of RTI Connext with NXP vehicle processors and GoldVIP platform for connected and autonomous vehicles.
- AUTOSARcoreActive member in AUTOSAR consortium working to accelerate software-defined vehicle standards and DDS adoption into AUTOSAR packages and platforms.
- COVESAminorActive member in COVESA consortium for connected vehicle standards and interoperability.
- ROS 2 / Open RoboticscoreEnhanced ROS 2 support for scalable robotics systems development; RTI Connext provides the data backbone for ROS 2 applications in production-grade robotics.
- OMG (Object Management Group)coreRTI is original author of DDS standard managed by OMG; active participation in DDS specification development and standardization.
- FACE ConsortiumcoreRTI Connext TSS is FACE conformant; active participation in Future Airborne Capability Environment consortium for military avionics open systems architecture.
- SOSAminorActive member in Sensor Open Systems Architecture consortium for defense systems interoperability.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Real-Time Innovations competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ZettaScale Technology: Maintainer of Cyclone DDS (formerly Eclipse Cyclone DDS) and successor to ADLINK's PrismTech DDS business. ZettaScale is a direct DDS competitor targeting industrial IoT, automotive, and robotics markets with open-source-first positioning that competes directly with RTI Connext.
- eProsima: Developer of Fast DDS, a leading open-source implementation of the OMG DDS standard. eProsima is RTI's most direct competitor in the DDS middleware space, particularly for robotics, automotive, and research applications where cost sensitivity favors open-source solutions.
Emerging players
- Apex.AI: Developer of safety-certified automotive software platform (Apex.OS) built on ROS 2 for autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles. Apex.AI competes with RTI Connext Drive in the automotive middleware space, leveraging open-source ROS 2 ecosystem and safety certifications.
- Vector Informatik: Provider of automotive development tools (CANoe, CANalyzer) and now strategic partner integrating RTI Connext DDS into CANoe.DDS testing tools. Vector is both a partner and adjacent competitor in automotive simulation and testing infrastructure.
- Solace Systems: Provider of event streaming and messaging middleware for enterprise and IoT applications. Solace competes with RTI in real-time data distribution for distributed systems, though primarily focused on enterprise IT versus RTI's industrial and embedded market focus.
Broad incumbents
- Wind River Systems: Provider of embedded RTOS (VxWorks) and edge computing platforms used in aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial markets. Wind River competes with RTI in providing the software infrastructure for intelligent distributed systems, particularly in safety-critical and certified applications.
- TIBCO Software (Cloud Software Group): Enterprise middleware and messaging platform (TIBCO Rendezvous, EMS) historically used in real-time distributed systems. While focused on enterprise IT versus industrial systems, TIBCO competes with RTI for real-time messaging workloads in financial services, telecom, and other time-critical applications.
- Elektrobit (EB): Automotive software supplier (subsidiary of Continental) offering AUTOSAR solutions, middleware, and development tools for connected and autonomous vehicles. Elektrobit competes with RTI in automotive software infrastructure, particularly in zonal architecture and SDV development.
- Green Hills Software: Provider of safety-certified RTOS (INTEGRITY) and embedded development tools for automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Green Hills competes with RTI in safety-critical middleware and real-time operating environments, particularly for DO-178C and ISO 26262 applications.
- ADLINK Technology: Industrial computing and embedded solutions provider that previously owned PrismTech/Vortex DDS. ADLINK offers DDS-based middleware as part of broader industrial computing hardware and software portfolio, competing with RTI in industrial automation and defense markets.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Real-Time Innovations social profiles
Digital presenceReal-Time Innovations compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Real-Time Innovations financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Real-Time Innovations leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Real-Time Innovations funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Real-Time Innovations M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Real-Time Innovations
What does Real-Time Innovations do?
Real-Time Innovations (RTI) develops and sells the Connext software framework, a real-time data streaming platform built on the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard. The platform provides deterministic, peer-to-peer, low-latency middleware for intelligent physical systems in aerospace and defense, automotive (software-defined vehicles), medical technology, industrial automation, and robotics. RTI also offers safety-certified editions, AI-assisted development tools, add-on modules for security, observability, and cloud connectivity, plus professional services and training.
Is Real-Time Innovations a public or private company?
Real-Time Innovations is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Real-Time Innovations founded?
Real-Time Innovations was founded in 2007. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Real-Time Innovations based?
Real-Time Innovations is headquartered in Sunnyvale, United States, in the North America region.
How does Real-Time Innovations make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Software Licenses and Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are professional Services and support Services.
Who are Real-Time Innovations's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ZettaScale Technology and eProsima. Emerging players are Apex.AI, Vector Informatik and Solace Systems. Broad incumbents are Wind River Systems, TIBCO Software (Cloud Software Group), Elektrobit (EB), Green Hills Software and ADLINK Technology.
Does Real-Time Innovations have an API?
No public API is recorded for Real-Time Innovations.
What industry is Real-Time Innovations in?
Real-Time Innovations's product category is Real-Time Middleware Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGABAD, Industrial I/O, Signal Conditioning & Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), with a secondary code of HDAHAFAE, Embedded Software & Firmware Tools (Compilers, Debug, RTOS tooling). Its NAICS code is 541512 and its SIC code is 3823.