ORLANDO, FL — June 4, 2008 — Today at the Tech•Ed North America Developer Conference and through a global Webcast event, Microsoft Corp. announced the immediate availability of the Windows Embedded Standard Community Technology Preview (CTP). Additionally the company stated the product will RTM in Q4 of 2008. Windows Embedded Standard is designed for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) wanting to quickly build devices that seamlessly connect into existing Enterprise infrastructure. Featuring new technologies including Microsoft Silverlight, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 6.1, and .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Embedded Standard is designed to drive managed and secure thin clients, sophisticated Point of Service and Kiosk devices requiring visually compelling user experiences, and smart networked multifunction printers that are easy to manage and connect with enterprise infrastructure. Windows Embedded Standard also includes componentized drivers for Intels latest x86 processor architectures, providing device makers with the flexibility to access the latest generation of hardware.
“Including Intels drivers, like those for the new Intel® Atom™ Processor, in Windows Embedded Standard, saves developers time otherwise required to validate and incorporate them into their designs,” said Doug Davis, vice president of the Digital Enterprise Group, and general manager of Embedded and Communications Group at Intel. “This development approach can save up to weeks in getting a product on the shelves.”
Driving Connected Experiences With New Technology Enhancements
Windows Embedded Standard is an important building block for smart, connected, service-oriented devices, delivering new features, updates and enhancements that focus on three main areas:
• Microsoft Silverlight. Support for Silverlight provides a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications (RIAs) for the Web that incorporate video, animation, interactivity, and stunning user interfaces.
• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Media Player 11. Build sophisticated devices with visually compelling user experiences. Windows Embedded Standard delivers features enabling the next-generation media experiences, RIAs and stunning user interfaces – helping device makers bring innovative devices to market faster than ever before, while offering unparalleled connected experiences.
• Remote Desktop Protocol 6.1 and Network Access Protection. Windows Embedded Standard provides the latest version of RDP and NAP, enabling devices to seamlessly connect to Windows Vista based PCs and take advantage of new features in Windows Server 2008 including the latest security and management technology.
Windows Embedded Standard Toolkit Replacement Program
Any OEM that purchases a Windows XP Embedded Toolkit between June and September of 2008 will be eligible to request a Windows Embedded Standard replacement toolkit at no additional charge. Specific details on how to participate in this program will be communicated via www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded in late June.
Virtual Launch and CTP Download Details
Windows Embedded Standard Community Technology Preview will be available for download in English at: connect.microsoft.com/windowsembedded
Attend the Windows Embedded Standard Virtual Launch at: www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/standardlaun[…]
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