| Microsoft woos ISVs to its mobile and embedded OSes |
Apr. 18, 2007
Bsquare says it has become the first embedded-oriented partner to join Microsoft's "NXT Initiative." Microsoft has apparently begun using the initiative -- which formerly targeted enterprise-oriented ISVs (independent software vendors) -- to migrate embedded and mobile ISVs using non-Microsoft OSes such as Linux to Windows CE and Windows XP Embedded.
NXT is "an end-to-end initiative that makes the process of adopting Microsoft technologies faster, easier, and less expensive by providing qualified independent software vendors with funding, expert technical advice and marketing assistance," according to Bsquare, which distributes and supports Microsoft's complete line of Windows Embedded operating systems in North America.
Microsoft has so far enticed 21 "delivery partners" to the NXT cause, providing "specific capabilities and resources you need to migrate or cross-platform your solution to Microsoft technologies," according to the NXT website. Currently, three of these partners are in the embedded space: California Software Labs and Symphony Services offer product development and system integration services, and Bsquare provides system integration services and embedded license distribution.
Software companies whose primary software is for non-Microsoft platforms (such as Linux, VxWorks, etc.) may qualify for NXT incentives, which vary with the delivery partner but typically include subsidized services and training. Companies can find out if they qualify for NXT incentives, here.
As a Microsoft embedded delivery partner, Bsquare will assist embedded device manufacturers that build ISV applications to quickly and efficiently migrate their software applications to Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows Server-based products for embedded systems, the company said. This will include such engineering services as "Architectural Design Sessions, Proof of Concept reviews, and other consulting services."
According to a document obtained by WindowsForDevices.com at the recent Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose, Calif., specifics of Bsquare's "Microsoft NXT Mobile and Embedded ISV Offer" include:- $12,000 in BSQUARE Professional Engineering Services. Engineering Services are valued at $6,000/week per resource (app development engineer, platform development engineer, QA tester, program manager). Contract for services must be a minimum of 6 weeks engagement (pay for 4 and get 2 free).
- $300 per person discount off CE 50 and 6.0 classes and new CE 5.0 to 6.0 class offered at Bsquare’s training facility in Bellevue WA; or for a class of 5-12 students, at customer’s facility (Class normally is $1495/person)
- $9,000 worth of Gold level support on any Bsquare hardware platform purchased including SD Hx and Schema. (equates to 6 months of Gold support)
- Complimentary Microsoft internal use licenses of the following toolkits:
- Windows XP Embedded -- Full Version
- Windows CE .NET 5.0 Platform Builder
- Windows CE DirectXZ Platform Adaption Kit version 1
- Windows CE Toolkit for Visual C++ 6.0
Bsquare plans to make its "NXT benefits" available to any embedded-oriented ISV that "sells business software as part of its solution offering and it is currently based on a non-Windows platform."
Other current offers from other NXT delivery partners are listed on the NXT website, here.
Greg Urquhart, General Manager of ISV Partners at Microsoft, stated, "We are excited to expand the NXT Initiative into the embedded space by including Bsquare as an NXT delivery partner. Bsquare will provide qualified embedded device makers access to NXT benefits, and enhance the migration process to Windows Embedded with important engineering services as well as training, products and support."
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