(Oct. 15) -- Driven by the explosive growth of industrial automation, smart displays, PocketPCs, and medical devices, Microsoft's family of Windows Embedded operating systems are seeing widespread usage in an ever expanding range of applications.
For many reasons -- including the need for a robust code base and time-to-market pressures -- developers of this new generation of network-aware embedded devices are increasingly examining their Windows options. For mobile, real-time devices, many of which are Internet-enabled, the majority are choosing Windows CE.NET. On the industrial and factory automation front, where single-board-computers with Pentium-level capabilities rule or where there is a need for a full-featured OS like the retail point-of-sale space, Windows XP Embedded is often the way to go.
Regardless of which Windows Embedded OS you're working with, you will need authoritative, credible information, both to achieve success with your current project, and to keep abreast of what lies ahead for you, your colleagues, and your competitors.
Microsoft has long offered an extensive selection of home-grown content on its own Web site. But developer demand for Windows embedded information has become so broad that, quite frankly, we can't fill it all by ourselves. Therefore, we are excited to sponsor the creation of an independent developer community in the form of this Web site -- WindowsForDevices.com.
We are impressed with the technical content showcased on this site. Consider the following disparate questions: How do I optimize CE.NET for real-time performance? Where's a list of the latest Windows Embedded Web Pads? Is anything new in the world of 802.11b wireless networking? Perspective on all these issues is available right here. (Simply go to the 'Site Search' bar on the home page and enter the appropriate keyword.)
Such examples demonstrate why we believe WindowsForDevices.com will be a potent provider of technical articles, opinion, news, and discussion forums from industry consultants and experts. Indeed, we at Microsoft plan to participate by providing, among other things, articles authored by our Embedded Appliance and Platforms Group and our Mobile Devices Division. The 1,500 companies that comprise our Windows Embedded Partner companies and our embedded Most Valuable Professionals (MVP) will also contribute frequently. Additionally, WindowsForDevices.com will supply a weekly newsletter, quick technology reference guides, and access to software downloads.
We have no doubt that the quality of this site will remain first rate. A staff of independent, embedded industry veterans is at the helm. Award-winning technology journalist Alexander Wolfe, formerly of EE Times, runs daily editorial operations. Strategic direction comes from 20-year embedded industry Rick Lehrbaum, who is the founder of both the site itself and of WindowsForDevices.com's parent company, DeviceForge LLC.
We're pleased to partner with DeviceForge -- which also operates the highly successful LinuxDevices.com site -- because of its proven track record in the marketplace for offering the highest possible concentration of quality information and for enabling developers to share information with others in a free and open manner.
While WindowsForDevices.com isn't meant to replace rich Microsoft-owned resources such as the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN), we believe it will greatly extend the breadth of available Windows Embedded content. Our hope is that it also becomes a virtual community where developers can share information with others in a free and open manner.
Remember as you surf this site that your participation will benefit not only you, but the entire developer community, as you share new and creative ways of engineering embedded systems using Windows CE.NET and Window XP Embedded. And remember that it is through such participation that we at Microsoft will benefit and learn from the Windows Embedded community, too.
About the author: Todd Warren is currently General Manager of the Embedded Appliance & Platforms Group, defining Microsft's strategy and managing the P&L for the entire platform embedded business. He has direct responsibility for the development of the CE operating system and marketing for server appliances and embedded Windows XP. Prior his current role, He served as General Manager of Microsoft Project. Todd has been with Microsoft for over 14 years, having served in various Program, Product, and General Management roles in Microsoft's tools products, Microsoft Mail and Exchange, Windows NT, Small Business Server and BackOffice.
