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your Windows® embedded community
Windows For Devices
your Windows® embedded community
According to the Artemis Initiative, there will be more than 40 billion embedded devices by 2020. This trend can only be accelerated by the move toward cloud computing, which makes it more valuable than ever to capture intelligence right at the edge of the network.
But -- especially because of everything they're being asked to do these days -- embedded devices are becoming increasingly complex to design and build. Fortunately, there's one company whose breadth puts it in a unique position to help.
Microsoft offers a comprehensive suite of operating systems and tools that can help device manufacturers reduce time to market, as well as improving connected device performance. Windows Embedded technology powers embedded systems that enable organizations to connect to IT infrastructure, increase staff efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
Thousands of embedded devices -- many of them featured over the years on WindowsForDevices.com -- have been built with Windows Embedded products, ranging from from portable ultrasound machines, to GPS devices, to ATMs to devices that power large construction machinery. With comprehensive features, easy-to-use tools, free evaluation kits, and access to a large network of community support, Windows Embedded helps yield faster time to market and decreased embedded development costs.
Primary customers include OEMs, enterprise, and service providers that select Windows Embedded for seamless integration with the Microsoft infrastructure and services that include:
A full range of Windows Embedded products (from componentized tooff-the-shelf) gives embedded developers the flexibility to build and manage a range of devices -- including connected devices, kiosks, point-of-sale, digital signage, communication devices, and peripherals.
As a single platform that spans across devices, IT infrastructure, and cloud computing, Windows Embedded operating systems facilitate connectivity between Point of Service and Windows-based enterprise IT systems, including CRM, inventory, sales tools, and business intelligence.
Windows Embedded developers have access to the latest Windows 7 for Embedded Systems features, including BitLocker drive encryption for data protection, plus advanced Windows Touch technologies and power management. They also benefit from a sophisticated infrastructure of development tools that are applicable to multiple device types.
Windows Embedded is a safe investment, backed by Microsoft support, patents, extended availability, as well as a worldwide network of partners with related expertise, experience, and complementary offerings for unparalleled design and build support.
The Windows Embedded family
Windows Embedded Compact 7 (formerly CE)
Windows Embedded Compact is the evolution of Windows Embedded CE. Compact is a componentized, real-time operating system used to create a wide range of small footprint enterprise and consumer devices.
Windows Embedded Compact 7 uses the familiar tools OEMs already know to help create the next generation of devices with attractive, intuitive user experiences. Compact continues the history of embedded innovation started with the first release of CE, providing new technology to OEMs for building devices that stand apart from the competition.
Windows Embedded Standard 7 delivers the power, familiarity, and reliability of the Windows 7 operating system in a componentized form for developers to create advanced commercial and consumer devices running thousands of existing Windows applications and drivers.
Applications and drivers for Windows 7 can work on Windows Embedded Standard 7 without difficult, expensive, and time-consuming porting effort. Meanwhile, developers can optimize the size of the OS footprint on their devices by selecting only the drivers, services, and applications they need.
The next generation of the well-regarded Windows Embedded for Point of Service, POSReady 2009 is a flexible operating system designed to seamlessly connect point-of-service solutions with peripherals, servers, and services. Its successor, Windows Embedded POSReady 7, incorporates added Windows 7 technologies and is now available as a trial download.
These products are fully functional versions of Microsoft's desktop operating system, licensed for use in an embedded solution consisting of purpose-built hardware and application software. The Windows Embedded Enterprise Family includes Windows 7 Professional SP1 for Embedded Systems, Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 for Embedded Systems, Windows Vista Business for Embedded Systems, Windows Vista Ultimate for Embedded Systems, and Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems.
Windows Embedded Server products are fully functional versions of Microsoft's server operating systems, with built-in security, reliability, and availability. Again, they're intended for embedded solutions -- server appliances, for example -- that include purpose-built hardware and application software. The Windows Embedded Server family includes Windows Server 2008 R2 For Embedded Systems, Windows Server 2008 For Embedded Systems, Windows Server 2003 R2 For Embedded Systems, and Windows Server 2003 For Embedded Systems.
Enables enterprises to deploy, assess and update Windows Embedded devices, providing a single management solution that offers enhanced insight and control over IT infrastructure and systems by extending the capabilities of System Center Configuration Manager 2007. IT Professionals can now manage the most common devices found in enterprise environments; including thin clients, point of service, digital signs, and kiosks.
Windows Embedded Automotive 7 builds on the best of Microsoft Auto 4.1 and Windows Automotive 5.5, delivering a large set of integrated and flexible middleware components for automakers or their suppliers. It includes Silverlight tools for interface development, Tellme speech technology to empower designs that keep hands on the wheels, hands-free communication that works with hundreds of phones, and media player integration for iPod, Zune, and other mobile devices.
Windows Embedded platforms for thin clients provide the familiarity of the Windows environment, the rich user experiences expected from Windows platforms, and ease of interoperability with existing Microsoft infrastructure. Available platforms include Windows Embedded Standard 7 and Windows Embedded Compact 7, both of which provide the power to create multimedia-ready clients via RemoteFX.
Microsoft's Windows CE has a long history of supporting handheld devices that meet the special requirements of enterprise customers -- connecting to back-end systems, running critical line-of-business applications, and supporting device management and security requirements. The latest evolutions of this operating system are Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 -- delivering compatibility with the many applications written for Windows Mobile 6.5 -- and Windows Embedded Compact 7.
Microsoft recommends Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 as the platform when:
Microsoft recommends Windows Embedded Compact 7 when a high degree of customization and flexibility is required for a device, and when the device focuses on a dedicated task.
Windows Embedded has an active community of industry leading partners and online resources available to support you at every step of your development cycle. Collaborate with Microsoft developers, Windows Embedded customers, hundreds of Windows Embedded Partners, and Windows Embedded MVPs through the following community resources:
