diff --git a/drivers/flash/flash_shell.c b/drivers/flash/flash_shell.c
index f1f948a9439..7cd821dc6e9 100644
--- a/drivers/flash/flash_shell.c
+++ b/drivers/flash/flash_shell.c
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@
 #define BUF_ARRAY_CNT 16
 #define TEST_ARR_SIZE 0x1000
 
-extern struct device __device_init_start[];
-extern struct device __device_init_end[];
+extern struct device __device_start[];
+extern struct device __device_end[];
 
 static u8_t test_arr[TEST_ARR_SIZE];
 
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@ static void device_name_get(size_t idx, struct shell_static_entry *entry)
 	entry->help  = NULL;
 	entry->subcmd = &dsub_device_name;
 
-	for (dev = __device_init_start; dev != __device_init_end; dev++) {
+	for (dev = __device_start; dev != __device_end; dev++) {
 		if ((dev->driver_api != NULL) &&
 		strcmp(dev->config->name, "") && (dev->config->name != NULL)) {
 			if (idx == device_idx) {
diff --git a/drivers/i2c/i2c_shell.c b/drivers/i2c/i2c_shell.c
index 3946659844f..686e83515ef 100644
--- a/drivers/i2c/i2c_shell.c
+++ b/drivers/i2c/i2c_shell.c
@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ LOG_MODULE_REGISTER(i2c_shell, CONFIG_LOG_DEFAULT_LEVEL);
 
 #define I2C_DEVICE_PREFIX "I2C_"
 
-extern struct device __device_init_start[];
-extern struct device __device_init_end[];
+extern struct device __device_start[];
+extern struct device __device_end[];
 
 static int cmd_i2c_scan(const struct shell *shell,
 			size_t argc, char **argv)
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ static void device_name_get(size_t idx, struct shell_static_entry *entry)
 	entry->help  = NULL;
 	entry->subcmd = &dsub_device_name;
 
-	for (dev = __device_init_start; dev != __device_init_end; dev++) {
+	for (dev = __device_start; dev != __device_end; dev++) {
 		if ((dev->driver_api != NULL) &&
 		strstr(dev->config->name, I2C_DEVICE_PREFIX) != NULL &&
 		strcmp(dev->config->name, "") && (dev->config->name != NULL)) {
diff --git a/drivers/sensor/sensor_shell.c b/drivers/sensor/sensor_shell.c
index 4e341cbced1..e200459b689 100644
--- a/drivers/sensor/sensor_shell.c
+++ b/drivers/sensor/sensor_shell.c
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@
 	"when no channels are provided. Syntax:\n" \
 	"<device_name> <channel name 0> .. <channel name N>"
 
-extern struct device __device_init_start[];
-extern struct device __device_init_end[];
+extern struct device __device_start[];
+extern struct device __device_end[];
 
 const char *sensor_channel_name[SENSOR_CHAN_ALL] = {
 	[SENSOR_CHAN_ACCEL_X] =		"accel_x",
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ static void device_name_get(size_t idx, struct shell_static_entry *entry)
 	entry->help  = NULL;
 	entry->subcmd = &dsub_channel_name;
 
-	for (dev = __device_init_start; dev != __device_init_end; dev++) {
+	for (dev = __device_start; dev != __device_end; dev++) {
 		if ((dev->driver_api != NULL) &&
 		strcmp(dev->config->name, "") && (dev->config->name != NULL)) {
 			if (idx == device_idx) {
diff --git a/include/device.h b/include/device.h
index eaae09149ff..047adcf4d22 100644
--- a/include/device.h
+++ b/include/device.h
@@ -7,8 +7,6 @@
 #ifndef ZEPHYR_INCLUDE_DEVICE_H_
 #define ZEPHYR_INCLUDE_DEVICE_H_
 
-#include <kernel.h>
-
 /**
  * @brief Device Driver APIs
  * @defgroup io_interfaces Device Driver APIs
@@ -21,7 +19,7 @@
  * @{
  */
 
-#include <zephyr/types.h>
+#include <init.h>
 
 #ifdef __cplusplus
 extern "C" {
@@ -29,6 +27,27 @@ extern "C" {
 
 #define Z_DEVICE_MAX_NAME_LEN	48
 
+
+/**
+ * @def SYS_DEVICE_DEFINE
+ *
+ * @brief Run an initialization function at boot at specified priority,
+ * and define device PM control function.
+ *
+ * @details This macro lets you run a function at system boot.
+ *
+ * @param drv_name Name of this system device
+ * @param init_fn Pointer to the boot function to run
+ * @param pm_control_fn Pointer to device_pm_control function.
+ * Can be empty function (device_pm_control_nop) if not implemented.
+ * @param level The initialization level, See Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE for details.
+ * @param prio Priority within the selected initialization level. See
+ * Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE for details.
+ */
+#define SYS_DEVICE_DEFINE(drv_name, init_fn, pm_control_fn, level, prio) \
+	DEVICE_DEFINE(Z_SYS_NAME(init_fn), drv_name, init_fn, pm_control_fn, \
+		      NULL, NULL, level, prio, NULL)
+
 /**
  * @def DEVICE_INIT
  *
@@ -53,36 +72,10 @@ extern "C" {
  * @param cfg_info The address to the structure containing the
  * configuration information for this instance of the driver.
  *
- * @param level The initialization level at which configuration occurs.
- * Must be one of the following symbols, which are listed in the order
- * they are performed by the kernel:
- * \n
- * \li PRE_KERNEL_1: Used for devices that have no dependencies, such as those
- * that rely solely on hardware present in the processor/SOC. These devices
- * cannot use any kernel services during configuration, since they are not
- * yet available.
- * \n
- * \li PRE_KERNEL_2: Used for devices that rely on the initialization of devices
- * initialized as part of the PRE_KERNEL_1 level. These devices cannot use any
- * kernel services during configuration, since they are not yet available.
- * \n
- * \li POST_KERNEL: Used for devices that require kernel services during
- * configuration.
- * \n
- * \li POST_KERNEL_SMP: Used for devices that require kernel services during
- * configuration after SMP initialization.
- * \n
- * \li APPLICATION: Used for application components (i.e. non-kernel components)
- * that need automatic configuration. These devices can use all services
- * provided by the kernel during configuration.
+ * @param level The initialization level, See Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE for details.
  *
- * @param prio The initialization priority of the device, relative to
- * other devices of the same initialization level. Specified as an integer
- * value in the range 0 to 99; lower values indicate earlier initialization.
- * Must be a decimal integer literal without leading zeroes or sign (e.g. 32),
- * or an equivalent symbolic name (e.g. \#define MY_INIT_PRIO 32); symbolic
- * expressions are *not* permitted
- * (e.g. CONFIG_KERNEL_INIT_PRIORITY_DEFAULT + 5).
+ * @param prio Priority within the selected initialization level. See
+ * Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE for details.
  */
 #define DEVICE_INIT(dev_name, drv_name, init_fn, data, cfg_info, level, prio) \
 	DEVICE_AND_API_INIT(dev_name, drv_name, init_fn,		\
@@ -102,19 +95,18 @@ extern "C" {
  * during initialization.
  */
 #ifndef CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT
-#define DEVICE_AND_API_INIT(dev_name, drv_name, init_fn, data, cfg_info,  \
-			    level, prio, api)				  \
-	static const struct device_config _CONCAT(__config_, dev_name) __used \
-	__attribute__((__section__(".devconfig.init"))) = {		  \
-		.name = drv_name, .init = (init_fn),			  \
-		.config_info = (cfg_info)				  \
-	};								  \
-	static Z_DECL_ALIGN(struct device) _CONCAT(__device_, dev_name) __used \
-	__attribute__((__section__(".init_" #level STRINGIFY(prio)))) = { \
-		.config = &_CONCAT(__config_, dev_name),		  \
-		.driver_api = api,					  \
-		.driver_data = data					  \
-	}
+#define DEVICE_AND_API_INIT(dev_name, drv_name, init_fn, data, cfg_info, \
+			    level, prio, api)				\
+	static Z_DECL_ALIGN(struct device)				\
+		_CONCAT(__device_, dev_name) __used			\
+	__attribute__((__section__(".device_" #level STRINGIFY(prio)))) = { \
+		.name = drv_name,					\
+		.config_info = (cfg_info),				\
+		.driver_api = (api),					\
+		.driver_data = (data),					\
+	};								\
+	Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE(_CONCAT(__device_, dev_name), init_fn,	\
+			    (&_CONCAT(__device_, dev_name)), level, prio)
 #else
 /*
  * Use the default device_pm_control for devices that do not call the
@@ -146,32 +138,32 @@ extern "C" {
 	DEVICE_AND_API_INIT(dev_name, drv_name, init_fn, data, cfg_info, \
 			    level, prio, api)
 #else
-#define DEVICE_DEFINE(dev_name, drv_name, init_fn, pm_control_fn,	  \
-		      data, cfg_info, level, prio, api)			  \
-	static struct device_pm _CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name) __used           \
-							= {               \
-		.usage = ATOMIC_INIT(0),                                  \
-		.lock = Z_SEM_INITIALIZER(                               \
-				_CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name).lock, 1, 1),     \
-		.signal = K_POLL_SIGNAL_INITIALIZER(                      \
-				_CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name).signal),         \
-		.event = K_POLL_EVENT_INITIALIZER(K_POLL_TYPE_SIGNAL,     \
-				K_POLL_MODE_NOTIFY_ONLY,                  \
-				&_CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name).signal),        \
-	};								  \
-	static struct device_config _CONCAT(__config_, dev_name) __used	  \
-	__attribute__((__section__(".devconfig.init"))) = {		  \
-		.name = drv_name, .init = (init_fn),			  \
-		.device_pm_control = (pm_control_fn),			  \
-		.pm  = &_CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name),                         \
-		.config_info = (cfg_info)				  \
-	};								  \
-	static Z_DECL_ALIGN(struct device) _CONCAT(__device_, dev_name) __used \
-	__attribute__((__section__(".init_" #level STRINGIFY(prio)))) = { \
-		.config = &_CONCAT(__config_, dev_name),		  \
-		.driver_api = api,					  \
-		.driver_data = data,					  \
-	}
+#define DEVICE_DEFINE(dev_name, drv_name, init_fn, pm_control_fn,	\
+		      data, cfg_info, level, prio, api)			\
+	static struct device_pm _CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name) __used  = {	\
+		.usage = ATOMIC_INIT(0),				\
+		.lock = Z_SEM_INITIALIZER(				\
+			_CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name).lock, 1, 1),		\
+		.signal = K_POLL_SIGNAL_INITIALIZER(			\
+			_CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name).signal),		\
+		.event = K_POLL_EVENT_INITIALIZER(			\
+			K_POLL_TYPE_SIGNAL,				\
+			K_POLL_MODE_NOTIFY_ONLY,			\
+			&_CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name).signal),		\
+	};								\
+	static Z_DECL_ALIGN(struct device)				\
+		_CONCAT(__device_, dev_name) __used			\
+	__attribute__((__section__(".device_" #level STRINGIFY(prio)))) = { \
+		.name = drv_name,					\
+		.config_info = (cfg_info),				\
+		.driver_api = (api),					\
+		.driver_data = (data),					\
+		.device_pm_control = (pm_control_fn),			\
+		.pm  = &_CONCAT(__pm_, dev_name),			\
+	};								\
+	Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE(_CONCAT(__device_, dev_name), init_fn,	\
+			    (&_CONCAT(__device_, dev_name)), level, prio)
+
 #endif
 
 /**
@@ -222,8 +214,6 @@ extern "C" {
  */
 #define DEVICE_DECLARE(name) static struct device DEVICE_NAME_GET(name)
 
-struct device;
-
 typedef void (*device_pm_cb)(struct device *dev,
 			     int status, void *context, void *arg);
 
@@ -250,38 +240,28 @@ struct device_pm {
 };
 
 /**
- * @brief Static device information (In ROM) Per driver instance
+ * @brief Runtime device structure (in memory) per driver instance
  *
  * @param name name of the device
  * @param init init function for the driver
  * @param config_info address of driver instance config information
- */
-struct device_config {
-	const char *name;
-	int (*init)(struct device *device);
-#ifdef CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT
-	int (*device_pm_control)(struct device *device, u32_t command,
-				 void *context, device_pm_cb cb, void *arg);
-	struct device_pm *pm;
-#endif
-	const void *config_info;
-};
-
-/**
- * @brief Runtime device structure (In memory) Per driver instance
  * @param device_config Build time config information
  * @param driver_api pointer to structure containing the API functions for
- * the device type. This pointer is filled in by the driver at init time.
+ * the device type.
  * @param driver_data driver instance data. For driver use only
  */
 struct device {
-	const struct device_config *config;
+	const char *name;
+	const void *config_info;
 	const void *driver_api;
-	void *driver_data;
+	void * const driver_data;
+#ifdef CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT
+	int (*device_pm_control)(struct device *device, u32_t command,
+				 void *context, device_pm_cb cb, void *arg);
+	struct device_pm * const pm;
+#endif
 };
 
-void z_sys_device_do_config_level(s32_t level);
-
 /**
  * @brief Retrieve the device structure for a driver by name
  *
@@ -432,9 +412,9 @@ static inline int device_set_power_state(struct device *device,
 					 u32_t device_power_state,
 					 device_pm_cb cb, void *arg)
 {
-	return device->config->device_pm_control(device,
-						 DEVICE_PM_SET_POWER_STATE,
-						 &device_power_state, cb, arg);
+	return device->device_pm_control(device,
+					 DEVICE_PM_SET_POWER_STATE,
+					 &device_power_state, cb, arg);
 }
 
 /**
@@ -453,10 +433,10 @@ static inline int device_set_power_state(struct device *device,
 static inline int device_get_power_state(struct device *device,
 					 u32_t *device_power_state)
 {
-	return device->config->device_pm_control(device,
-						 DEVICE_PM_GET_POWER_STATE,
-						 device_power_state,
-						 NULL, NULL);
+	return device->device_pm_control(device,
+					 DEVICE_PM_GET_POWER_STATE,
+					 device_power_state,
+					 NULL, NULL);
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/include/init.h b/include/init.h
index bb1af145aa7..e1977e87588 100644
--- a/include/init.h
+++ b/include/init.h
@@ -7,8 +7,9 @@
 #ifndef ZEPHYR_INCLUDE_INIT_H_
 #define ZEPHYR_INCLUDE_INIT_H_
 
-#include <device.h>
 #include <toolchain.h>
+#include <kernel.h>
+#include <zephyr/types.h>
 
 #ifdef __cplusplus
 extern "C" {
@@ -29,11 +30,85 @@ extern "C" {
 #define _SYS_INIT_LEVEL_SMP		4
 #endif
 
+struct device;
+
+/**
+ * @brief Static init entry structure for each device driver or services
+ *
+ * @param init init function for the init entry which will take the dev
+ * attribute as parameter. See below.
+ * @param dev pointer to a device driver instance structure. Can be NULL
+ * if the init entry is not used for a device driver but a service.
+ */
+struct init_entry {
+	int (*init)(struct device *dev);
+	struct device *dev;
+};
+
+void z_sys_init_run_level(s32_t level);
+
 /* A counter is used to avoid issues when two or more system devices
  * are declared in the same C file with the same init function.
  */
 #define Z_SYS_NAME(init_fn) _CONCAT(_CONCAT(sys_init_, init_fn), __COUNTER__)
 
+/**
+ * @def Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE
+ *
+ * @brief Create an init entry object and set it up for boot time initialization
+ *
+ * @details This macro defines an init entry object that will be automatically
+ * configured by the kernel during system initialization. Note that
+ * init entries will not be accessible from user mode. Also this macro should
+ * not be used directly, use relevant macro such as SYS_INIT() or
+ * DEVICE_AND_API_INIT() instead.
+ *
+ * @param entry_name Init entry name. It is the name this instance exposes to
+ * the system.
+ *
+ * @param init_fn Address to the init function of the entry.
+ *
+ * @param device A device driver instance pointer or NULL
+ *
+ * @param level The initialization level at which configuration occurs.
+ * Must be one of the following symbols, which are listed in the order
+ * they are performed by the kernel:
+ * \n
+ * \li PRE_KERNEL_1: Used for initialization objects that have no dependencies,
+ * such as those that rely solely on hardware present in the processor/SOC.
+ * These objects cannot use any kernel services during configuration, since
+ * they are not yet available.
+ * \n
+ * \li PRE_KERNEL_2: Used for initialization objects that rely on objects
+ * initialized as part of the PRE_KERNEL_1 level. These objects cannot use any
+ * kernel services during configuration, since they are not yet available.
+ * \n
+ * \li POST_KERNEL: Used for initialization objects that require kernel services
+ * during configuration.
+ * \n
+ * \li POST_KERNEL_SMP: Used for initialization objects that require kernel
+ * services during configuration after SMP initialization.
+ * \n
+ * \li APPLICATION: Used for application components (i.e. non-kernel components)
+ * that need automatic configuration. These objects can use all services
+ * provided by the kernel during configuration.
+ *
+ * @param prio The initialization priority of the object, relative to
+ * other objects of the same initialization level. Specified as an integer
+ * value in the range 0 to 99; lower values indicate earlier initialization.
+ * Must be a decimal integer literal without leading zeroes or sign (e.g. 32),
+ * or an equivalent symbolic name (e.g. \#define MY_INIT_PRIO 32); symbolic
+ * expressions are *not* permitted
+ * (e.g. CONFIG_KERNEL_INIT_PRIORITY_DEFAULT + 5).
+ */
+#define Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE(entry_name, init_fn, device, level, prio)	\
+	static const Z_DECL_ALIGN(struct init_entry)			\
+		_CONCAT(__init_, entry_name) __used			\
+	__attribute__((__section__(".init_" #level STRINGIFY(prio)))) = { \
+		.init = (init_fn),					\
+		.dev = (device),					\
+	}
+
 /**
  * @def SYS_INIT
  *
@@ -43,35 +118,13 @@ extern "C" {
  *
  * @param init_fn Pointer to the boot function to run
  *
- * @param level The initialization level, See DEVICE_AND_API_INIT for details.
+ * @param level The initialization level, See Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE for details.
  *
  * @param prio Priority within the selected initialization level. See
- * DEVICE_AND_API_INIT for details.
+ * Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE for details.
  */
 #define SYS_INIT(init_fn, level, prio)					\
-	DEVICE_AND_API_INIT(Z_SYS_NAME(init_fn), "", init_fn,		\
-			    NULL, NULL, level, prio, NULL)
-
-/**
- * @def SYS_DEVICE_DEFINE
- *
- * @brief Run an initialization function at boot at specified priority,
- * and define device PM control function.
- *
- * @details This macro lets you run a function at system boot.
- *
- * @param drv_name Name of this system device
- * @param init_fn Pointer to the boot function to run
- * @param pm_control_fn Pointer to device_pm_control function.
- *                      Can be empty function (device_pm_control_nop) if not
- *                      implemented.
- * @param level The initialization level, See DEVICE_INIT for details.
- * @param prio Priority within the selected initialization level. See
- * 	       DEVICE_INIT for details.
- */
-#define SYS_DEVICE_DEFINE(drv_name, init_fn, pm_control_fn, level, prio) \
-	DEVICE_DEFINE(Z_SYS_NAME(init_fn), drv_name, init_fn, pm_control_fn, \
-		      NULL, NULL, level, prio, NULL)
+	Z_INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE(Z_SYS_NAME(init_fn), init_fn, NULL, level, prio)
 
 #ifdef __cplusplus
 }
diff --git a/include/linker/common-ram.ld b/include/linker/common-ram.ld
index 3ebfbc21b9e..b0af076c051 100644
--- a/include/linker/common-ram.ld
+++ b/include/linker/common-ram.ld
@@ -1,10 +1,5 @@
 /* SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0 */
 
-	SECTION_DATA_PROLOGUE(initlevel,,)
-	{
-		DEVICE_INIT_SECTIONS()
-	} GROUP_DATA_LINK_IN(RAMABLE_REGION, ROMABLE_REGION)
-
 #if defined(CONFIG_GEN_SW_ISR_TABLE) && defined(CONFIG_DYNAMIC_INTERRUPTS)
 	SECTION_DATA_PROLOGUE(sw_isr_table,,)
 	{
@@ -18,12 +13,10 @@
 	} GROUP_DATA_LINK_IN(RAMABLE_REGION, ROMABLE_REGION)
 #endif
 
-	/* verify we don't have rogue .init_<something> initlevel sections */
-	SECTION_DATA_PROLOGUE(initlevel_error,,)
+	SECTION_DATA_PROLOGUE(devices,,)
 	{
-		DEVICE_INIT_UNDEFINED_SECTION()
-	}
-	ASSERT(SIZEOF(initlevel_error) == 0, "Undefined initialization levels used.")
+		DEVICE_SECTIONS()
+	} GROUP_DATA_LINK_IN(RAMABLE_REGION, ROMABLE_REGION)
 
 	SECTION_DATA_PROLOGUE(initshell,,)
 	{
diff --git a/include/linker/common-rom.ld b/include/linker/common-rom.ld
index c16774758e8..963ee810f1a 100644
--- a/include/linker/common-rom.ld
+++ b/include/linker/common-rom.ld
@@ -1,5 +1,10 @@
 /* SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0 */
 
+	SECTION_PROLOGUE(initlevel,,)
+	{
+		INIT_SECTIONS()
+	} GROUP_LINK_IN(ROMABLE_REGION)
+
 #if defined(CONFIG_GEN_SW_ISR_TABLE) && !defined(CONFIG_DYNAMIC_INTERRUPTS)
 	SECTION_PROLOGUE(sw_isr_table,,)
 	{
@@ -12,6 +17,14 @@
 		*(_SW_ISR_TABLE_SECTION_NAME)
 	} GROUP_LINK_IN(ROMABLE_REGION)
 #endif
+
+	/* verify we don't have rogue .init_<something> initlevel sections */
+	SECTION_PROLOGUE(initlevel_error,,)
+	{
+		INIT_UNDEFINED_SECTION()
+	}
+	ASSERT(SIZEOF(initlevel_error) == 0, "Undefined initialization levels used.")
+
 #ifdef CONFIG_CPLUSPLUS
 	SECTION_PROLOGUE(_CTOR_SECTION_NAME,,)
 	{
@@ -66,14 +79,6 @@
 		__app_shmem_regions_end = .;
 	} GROUP_LINK_IN(ROMABLE_REGION)
 
-	SECTION_PROLOGUE (devconfig,,)
-	{
-		__devconfig_start = .;
-		*(".devconfig.*")
-		KEEP(*(SORT_BY_NAME(".devconfig*")))
-		__devconfig_end = .;
-	} GROUP_LINK_IN(ROMABLE_REGION)
-
 	SECTION_PROLOGUE(net_l2,,)
 	{
 		__net_l2_start = .;
diff --git a/include/linker/linker-defs.h b/include/linker/linker-defs.h
index 73109986b5e..cf32ef7d5eb 100644
--- a/include/linker/linker-defs.h
+++ b/include/linker/linker-defs.h
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
  */
 #ifdef CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT
 #define DEVICE_COUNT \
-	((__device_init_end - __device_init_start) / _DEVICE_STRUCT_SIZEOF)
+	((__device_end - __device_start) / _DEVICE_STRUCT_SIZEOF)
 #define DEV_BUSY_SZ	(((DEVICE_COUNT + 31) / 32) * 4)
 #define DEVICE_BUSY_BITFIELD()			\
 		FILL(0x00) ;			\
@@ -57,37 +57,53 @@
 #endif
 
 /*
- * generate a symbol to mark the start of the device initialization objects for
- * the specified level, then link all of those objects (sorted by priority);
- * ensure the objects aren't discarded if there is no direct reference to them
+ * generate a symbol to mark the start of the objects array for
+ * the specified object and level, then link all of those objects
+ * (sorted by priority). Ensure the objects aren't discarded if there is
+ * no direct reference to them
  */
-
-#define DEVICE_INIT_LEVEL(level)				\
-		__device_##level##_start = .;			\
-		KEEP(*(SORT(.init_##level[0-9])));		\
-		KEEP(*(SORT(.init_##level[1-9][0-9])));	\
+#define CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(object, level)				\
+		__##object##_##level##_start = .;		\
+		KEEP(*(SORT(.##object##_##level[0-9])));	\
+		KEEP(*(SORT(.##object##_##level[1-9][0-9])));	\
 
 /*
- * link in device initialization objects for all devices that are automatically
+ * link in initialization objects for all objects that are automatically
  * initialized by the kernel; the objects are sorted in the order they will be
  * initialized (i.e. ordered by level, sorted by priority within a level)
  */
 
-#define	DEVICE_INIT_SECTIONS()			\
-		__device_init_start = .;	\
-		DEVICE_INIT_LEVEL(PRE_KERNEL_1)	\
-		DEVICE_INIT_LEVEL(PRE_KERNEL_2)	\
-		DEVICE_INIT_LEVEL(POST_KERNEL)	\
-		DEVICE_INIT_LEVEL(APPLICATION)	\
-		DEVICE_INIT_LEVEL(SMP)		\
-		__device_init_end = .;		\
-		DEVICE_BUSY_BITFIELD()		\
+#define	INIT_SECTIONS()					\
+		__init_start = .;			\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(init, PRE_KERNEL_1)	\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(init, PRE_KERNEL_2)	\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(init, POST_KERNEL)	\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(init, APPLICATION)	\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(init, SMP)		\
+		__init_end = .;				\
 
 
 /* define a section for undefined device initialization levels */
-#define DEVICE_INIT_UNDEFINED_SECTION()		\
+#define INIT_UNDEFINED_SECTION()		\
 		KEEP(*(SORT(.init_[_A-Z0-9]*)))	\
 
+
+/*
+ * link in devices objects, which are tied to the init ones;
+ * the objects are thus sorted the same way as their init object parent
+ * see include/device.h
+ */
+#define	DEVICE_SECTIONS()				\
+		__device_start = .;			\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(device, PRE_KERNEL_1)	\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(device, PRE_KERNEL_2)	\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(device, POST_KERNEL)	\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(device, APPLICATION)	\
+		CREATE_OBJ_LEVEL(device, SMP)		\
+		__device_end = .;			\
+		DEVICE_BUSY_BITFIELD()			\
+
+
 /*
  * link in shell initialization objects for all modules that use shell and
  * their shell commands are automatically initialized by the kernel.
diff --git a/kernel/device.c b/kernel/device.c
index d9361b0c829..5dd4e5b7900 100644
--- a/kernel/device.c
+++ b/kernel/device.c
@@ -9,17 +9,20 @@
 #include <sys/atomic.h>
 #include <syscall_handler.h>
 
-extern struct device __device_init_start[];
-extern struct device __device_PRE_KERNEL_1_start[];
-extern struct device __device_PRE_KERNEL_2_start[];
-extern struct device __device_POST_KERNEL_start[];
-extern struct device __device_APPLICATION_start[];
-extern struct device __device_init_end[];
+extern const struct init_entry __init_start[];
+extern const struct init_entry __init_PRE_KERNEL_1_start[];
+extern const struct init_entry __init_PRE_KERNEL_2_start[];
+extern const struct init_entry __init_POST_KERNEL_start[];
+extern const struct init_entry __init_APPLICATION_start[];
+extern const struct init_entry __init_end[];
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_SMP
-extern struct device __device_SMP_start[];
+extern const struct init_entry __init_SMP_start[];
 #endif
 
+extern struct device __device_start[];
+extern struct device __device_end[];
+
 #ifdef CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT
 extern u32_t __device_busy_start[];
 extern u32_t __device_busy_end[];
@@ -27,71 +30,72 @@ extern u32_t __device_busy_end[];
 #endif
 
 /**
- * @brief Execute all the device initialization functions at a given level
+ * @brief Execute all the init entry initialization functions at a given level
  *
- * @details Invokes the initialization routine for each device object
- * created by the DEVICE_INIT() macro using the specified level.
- * The linker script places the device objects in memory in the order
+ * @details Invokes the initialization routine for each init entry object
+ * created by the INIT_ENTRY_DEFINE() macro using the specified level.
+ * The linker script places the init entry objects in memory in the order
  * they need to be invoked, with symbols indicating where one level leaves
  * off and the next one begins.
  *
  * @param level init level to run.
  */
-void z_sys_device_do_config_level(s32_t level)
+void z_sys_init_run_level(s32_t level)
 {
-	struct device *info;
-	static struct device *config_levels[] = {
-		__device_PRE_KERNEL_1_start,
-		__device_PRE_KERNEL_2_start,
-		__device_POST_KERNEL_start,
-		__device_APPLICATION_start,
+	static const struct init_entry *levels[] = {
+		__init_PRE_KERNEL_1_start,
+		__init_PRE_KERNEL_2_start,
+		__init_POST_KERNEL_start,
+		__init_APPLICATION_start,
 #ifdef CONFIG_SMP
-		__device_SMP_start,
+		__init_SMP_start,
 #endif
 		/* End marker */
-		__device_init_end,
+		__init_end,
 	};
+	const struct init_entry *entry;
 
-	for (info = config_levels[level]; info < config_levels[level+1];
-								info++) {
+	for (entry = levels[level]; entry < levels[level+1]; entry++) {
+		struct device *dev = entry->dev;
 		int retval;
-		const struct device_config *device_conf = info->config;
 
-		retval = device_conf->init(info);
+		if (dev != NULL) {
+			z_object_init(dev);
+		}
+
+		retval = entry->init(dev);
 		if (retval != 0) {
-			/* Initialization failed. Clear the API struct so that
-			 * device_get_binding() will not succeed for it.
-			 */
-			info->driver_api = NULL;
-		} else {
-			z_object_init(info);
+			if (dev) {
+				/* Initialization failed. Clear the API struct
+				 * so that device_get_binding() will not succeed
+				 * for it.
+				 */
+				dev->driver_api = NULL;
+			}
 		}
 	}
 }
 
 struct device *z_impl_device_get_binding(const char *name)
 {
-	struct device *info;
+	struct device *dev;
 
 	/* Split the search into two loops: in the common scenario, where
 	 * device names are stored in ROM (and are referenced by the user
 	 * with CONFIG_* macros), only cheap pointer comparisons will be
-	 * performed.  Reserve string comparisons for a fallback.
+	 * performed. Reserve string comparisons for a fallback.
 	 */
-	for (info = __device_init_start; info != __device_init_end; info++) {
-		if ((info->driver_api != NULL) &&
-		    (info->config->name == name)) {
-			return info;
+	for (dev = __device_start; dev != __device_end; dev++) {
+		if ((dev->driver_api != NULL) &&
+		    (dev->name == name)) {
+			return dev;
 		}
 	}
 
-	for (info = __device_init_start; info != __device_init_end; info++) {
-		if (info->driver_api == NULL) {
-			continue;
-		}
-
-		if (strcmp(name, info->config->name) == 0) {
-			return info;
+	for (dev = __device_start; dev != __device_end; dev++) {
+		if ((dev->driver_api != NULL) &&
+		    (strcmp(name, dev->name) == 0)) {
+			return dev;
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -126,8 +130,8 @@ int device_pm_control_nop(struct device *unused_device,
 void device_list_get(struct device **device_list, int *device_count)
 {
 
-	*device_list = __device_init_start;
-	*device_count = __device_init_end - __device_init_start;
+	*device_list = __device_start;
+	*device_count = __device_end - __device_start;
 }
 
 
@@ -146,7 +150,7 @@ int device_any_busy_check(void)
 int device_busy_check(struct device *chk_dev)
 {
 	if (atomic_test_bit((const atomic_t *)__device_busy_start,
-				 (chk_dev - __device_init_start))) {
+			    (chk_dev - __device_start))) {
 		return -EBUSY;
 	}
 	return 0;
@@ -158,7 +162,7 @@ void device_busy_set(struct device *busy_dev)
 {
 #ifdef CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT
 	atomic_set_bit((atomic_t *) __device_busy_start,
-				 (busy_dev - __device_init_start));
+		       (busy_dev - __device_start));
 #else
 	ARG_UNUSED(busy_dev);
 #endif
@@ -168,7 +172,7 @@ void device_busy_clear(struct device *busy_dev)
 {
 #ifdef CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT
 	atomic_clear_bit((atomic_t *) __device_busy_start,
-				 (busy_dev - __device_init_start));
+			 (busy_dev - __device_start));
 #else
 	ARG_UNUSED(busy_dev);
 #endif
diff --git a/kernel/init.c b/kernel/init.c
index 8ae3df128fa..c8e042441f0 100644
--- a/kernel/init.c
+++ b/kernel/init.c
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ static void bg_thread_main(void *unused1, void *unused2, void *unused3)
 
 	z_sys_post_kernel = true;
 
-	z_sys_device_do_config_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_POST_KERNEL);
+	z_sys_init_run_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_POST_KERNEL);
 #if CONFIG_STACK_POINTER_RANDOM
 	z_stack_adjust_initialized = 1;
 #endif
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ static void bg_thread_main(void *unused1, void *unused2, void *unused3)
 #endif
 
 	/* Final init level before app starts */
-	z_sys_device_do_config_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_APPLICATION);
+	z_sys_init_run_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_APPLICATION);
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_CPLUSPLUS
 	/* Process the .ctors and .init_array sections */
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ static void bg_thread_main(void *unused1, void *unused2, void *unused3)
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_SMP
 	z_smp_init();
-	z_sys_device_do_config_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_SMP);
+	z_sys_init_run_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_SMP);
 #endif
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_BOOT_TIME_MEASUREMENT
@@ -488,8 +488,8 @@ FUNC_NORETURN void z_cstart(void)
 #endif
 
 	/* perform basic hardware initialization */
-	z_sys_device_do_config_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_PRE_KERNEL_1);
-	z_sys_device_do_config_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_PRE_KERNEL_2);
+	z_sys_init_run_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_PRE_KERNEL_1);
+	z_sys_init_run_level(_SYS_INIT_LEVEL_PRE_KERNEL_2);
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_STACK_CANARIES
 	z_early_boot_rand_get((u8_t *)&stack_guard, sizeof(stack_guard));
diff --git a/subsys/shell/modules/device_service.c b/subsys/shell/modules/device_service.c
index 4d6f799275d..3b02611ef2d 100644
--- a/subsys/shell/modules/device_service.c
+++ b/subsys/shell/modules/device_service.c
@@ -10,18 +10,18 @@
 #include <string.h>
 #include <device.h>
 
-extern struct device __device_init_start[];
+extern struct device __device_start[];
 extern struct device __device_PRE_KERNEL_1_start[];
 extern struct device __device_PRE_KERNEL_2_start[];
 extern struct device __device_POST_KERNEL_start[];
 extern struct device __device_APPLICATION_start[];
-extern struct device __device_init_end[];
+extern struct device __device_end[];
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_SMP
 extern struct device __device_SMP_start[];
 #endif
 
-static struct device *config_levels[] = {
+static struct device *levels[] = {
 	__device_PRE_KERNEL_1_start,
 	__device_PRE_KERNEL_2_start,
 	__device_POST_KERNEL_start,
@@ -30,20 +30,20 @@ static struct device *config_levels[] = {
 	__device_SMP_start,
 #endif
 	/* End marker */
-	__device_init_end,
+	__device_end,
 };
 
 static bool device_get_config_level(const struct shell *shell, int level)
 {
-	struct device *info;
+	struct device *dev;
 	bool devices = false;
 
-	for (info = config_levels[level]; info < config_levels[level+1];
-								info++) {
-		if (info->driver_api != NULL) {
+	for (dev = levels[level]; dev < levels[level+1]; dev++) {
+		if (dev->driver_api != NULL) {
 			devices = true;
+
 			shell_fprintf(shell, SHELL_NORMAL, "- %s\n",
-					info->config->name);
+				      dev->config->name);
 		}
 	}
 	return devices;
@@ -86,27 +86,30 @@ static int cmd_device_levels(const struct shell *shell,
 static int cmd_device_list(const struct shell *shell,
 			      size_t argc, char **argv)
 {
-	struct device *info;
+	struct device *dev;
 	ARG_UNUSED(argc);
 	ARG_UNUSED(argv);
 
 	shell_fprintf(shell, SHELL_NORMAL, "devices:\n");
-	for (info = __device_init_start; info != __device_init_end; info++) {
-		if (info->driver_api != NULL) {
-			shell_fprintf(shell, SHELL_NORMAL, "- %s",
-					info->config->name);
-#ifdef CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT
-			u32_t state = DEVICE_PM_ACTIVE_STATE;
-			int err;
 
-			err = device_get_power_state(info, &state);
-			if (!err) {
-				shell_fprintf(shell, SHELL_NORMAL, " (%s)",
-					      device_pm_state_str(state));
-			}
-#endif /* CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT */
-			shell_fprintf(shell, SHELL_NORMAL, "\n");
+	for (dev = __device_start; dev != __device_end; dev++) {
+		if (dev->driver_api == NULL) {
+			continue;
 		}
+
+		shell_fprintf(shell, SHELL_NORMAL, "- %s", dev->config->name);
+
+#ifdef CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT
+		u32_t state = DEVICE_PM_ACTIVE_STATE;
+		int err;
+
+		err = device_get_power_state(dev, &state);
+		if (!err) {
+			shell_fprintf(shell, SHELL_NORMAL, " (%s)",
+				      device_pm_state_str(state));
+		}
+#endif /* CONFIG_DEVICE_POWER_MANAGEMENT */
+		shell_fprintf(shell, SHELL_NORMAL, "\n");
 	}
 
 	return 0;