Microsoft aims .NET at gadgets

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Sep. 27, 2006

Microsoft has beta-released a developer kit for the .NET Micro Framework (.NET MF), a low-end software platform aimed at deeply embedded applications. The .NET MF extends the advantages of .NET and the Visual Studio toolset into small devices with tight constraints on cost, memory, processor, and/or power consumption, Microsoft says.

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The managed code environment will enhance code reliability in deeply embedded devices and applications, according to the company. Additionally, .NET MF's integration with Visual Studio will optimize software development efficiency, by providing PC emulation capabilities and on-device debugging within the Visual Studio IDE, the company adds. User interface development is supported with Windows Presentation Foundation.

The .NET MF, first announced in May, grew out of the Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT) initiative. Earlier versions have been variously dubbed .NET Embedded and TinyCLR. Microsoft describes it as a natural extension of the company’s embedded systems product line, bringing the efficiency and reliability of a managed code environment to very small devices.

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SJJ's .NET MF platform

Microsoft also announced several key partners expected to ship commercial .NET MF products in the coming months. These include Digi International, EmbeddedFusion, Freescale, SJJ Embedded Micro Solutions, ControlThink, and Winbond Electronics.

"The .NET Micro Framework is a natural extension of Microsoft's embedded offerings and provides a compelling, easy-to-use solution for developers," said Colin Miller, director of the .NET Micro Framework at Microsoft. "We have utilized this platform with several projects at Microsoft and are excited to provide this kit to developers so they can use Microsoft tools to extend their skills to a set of smaller devices." Miller will discuss the .NET MF and present case studies in a presentation at the Embedded Systems Conference this week in Boston.

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