| Microsoft releases free Windows XP Embedded SP2 "preview" |
Oct. 03, 2004
[Updated Oct. 4, 2004] -- Beginning today, Microsoft is offering a "free technology preview" of the latest version of its Windows XP Embedded operating system available for download on its website, for testing by embedded system and device developers. Dubbed "Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 2," the new OS version is said to include security and other enhancements from the recent Service Pack 2 (SP2) release for the standard version of Windows XP, as well as several additional capabilities targeting unique requirements of embedded systems and devices.
In addition to the much ballyhooed security enhancements in standard XP SP2, Windows XP Embedded (XPe) SP2 adds "advanced" remote device management and system update capabilities, enhanced networking and multimedia features, and introduces a highly welcomed quick boot mechanism capable of booting an XPe SP2 device in as little as 10 seconds, Microsoft says.
Microsoft also revealed today that it is implementing a specialized version of Windows XP Embedded targeting the "Point of Service" market, for devices such as point-of-sale terminals (cash registers), self-checkout devices, information kiosks, and other equipment used in the retail and hospitality industries. The software, derived from XPe SP2 and known as "Windows XP Embedded for Point of Service," will be released by the middle of 2005, according to a spokesperson.
What's new in XPe SP2?
Microsoft says the following key updates and enhancements are included in the Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 2 update that becomes available in tomorrow's "tech preview" release: - Enhanced Windows Firewall -- a redesigned Windows Firewall, activated by default, helps safeguard devices by giving users and administrators more control over inbound connections.
- Remote communications -- SP2 adds support for Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) v5.2.
- Software Update Services (SUS) -- SUS enables automatic scanning and deployment of Microsoft-issued security updates on XPe-based devices, and increases the ability to integrate devices across networks.
- Systems Management Server (SMS) -- SP2 adds a client for SMS, which enables remotely updating applications on XPe-based devices from a centralized location.
- Multimedia capabilities -- SP2 includes new "advanced" multimedia capabilities including Windows Media Player 9 Series and DirectX 9 support.
- Bluetooth -- SP2 includes a new Bluetooth networking protocol stack.
- Quick boot -- newly added APIs (application programming interfaces) added to the Enhanced Write Filter (EWF) function provide dramatic reductions in startup and shutdown times, enabling boot times as little as 10 seconds.
Third-party support
In addition to XPe SP2's new built-in quick-boot support via the enhanced EWF function, Microsoft also notes that a more comprehensive fast boot capability is also available by means of Venturcom's ReadyOn product.
On the security front, Microsoft says it has worked closely with security software vendors Computer Associates (CA) and Sygate to provide anti-virus and intrusion prevention security solutions for XPe-based devices and systems. Concurrent with today's announcement from Microsoft, Sygate announced that its Security Agent 4.0 is compatible with XPe SP2, and CA announced that it would support the "general release" of XPe SP2 with its eTrust Antivirus software.
About Windows XP Embedded
According to Microsoft, Windows XP Embedded -- the "componentized version of Windows XP" -- contains more than 10,000 individual feature components which can be configured to achieve optimal software footprint and functionality to meet the unique hardware requirements of embedded devices. Microsoft claims it leads the embedded industry in terms of support longevity, with its promise of a minimum of 10 years of "mainstream and extended support" for Windows XP Embedded.
Windows XP Embedded with SP2 Technology Preview is available for free download beginning Oct. 4, 2004 on Microsoft's Windows Embedded website. Full production release of XPe SP2 is expected by the end of this year, according to Microsoft product manager John Starkweather.
Beyond SP2, the next major release of Windows XP Embedded -- code-named "Longhorn Embedded" -- will follow within about 90 days of the next major version of Windows XP ("Longhorn"), and is expected in the 2005 timeframe.
Download the XPe SP2 Tech Preview here
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