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        App creates virtual serial ports in Windows CE

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jul 1, 2009 | Comments: 1



        The U.K. software development company FabulaTech has announced a Windows CE application that allows creating "virtual serial ports" and connecting them via "virtual null-modem cables." The "Virtual COM Port Kit" (left) can speed up application development and be used for GPS simulation programs, the...


        company says.

        (Click here for a larger view of FabulaTech's Virtual COM Port Kit)

        FabulaTech says its Virtual COM Port Kit (VCPK) software allows creating virtual serial ports and connecting them to one another by virtual null-modem cables -- all of which, of course, takes place within a device's memory. For example, according to the company, VCPK could be used to create COM6 and COM7 as virtual serial ports, then connect an application to each. All data that the first application writes to COM6 would be read from COM7 by the second application, and vice versa, the company explains.

        One key use highlighted by FabulaTech for VCPK is running GPS simulation software. VCPK can also assist with software development generally by facilitating debugging and data logging, the company adds.

        According to FabulaTech, the virtual serial ports created by VCPK look and work like real hardware ports. However, it's said, the communication between them is faster and more reliable than via actual serial ports and null-modem cables.

        Features touted by FabulaTech for VCPK include the following:
        • Once created virtual ports are operable at each system startup, prior to user login
        • Up to nine virtual COM port pairs can be created
        • COM ports can be created and removed on the fly
        • Virtual serial ports feature a one-click enable/disable button
        • Virtual serial ports can be controlled from your own applications using a Dynamic Link Library (requires OEM license)
        FabulaTech also offers several other interesting applications that run on either Windows CE or x86 versions of Windows. The company's USB for Remote Desktop software is said to connect local USB devices to a remote Windows session being accessed via RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). Meanwhile, the company's USB over Network software is a client/server product that allows local USB devices -- an expensive slide scanner, perhaps -- to be shared with other Windows users on a local area network or even via the Internet, the company says.

        Further information

        FabulaTech says its newly released VCPK for Windows CE runs on ARM, MIPS, SH3, SH4 and x86 versions of the operating system. An earlier VCPK version works with Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003, Server 2008, and Windows 7, though compatibility with Windows Embedded Standard or Windows XP Embedded was not cited.

        Fifteen-day trial versions of the programs, which cost $99 and $129 respectively, are available from the company's website here and here.



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