NEW ORLEANS, June 15, 1998 — Today at Retail Systems ’98, Microsoft Corp. and VenturCom Inc. announced an agreement for Microsoft to license VenturCom’s Component Integrator product. Designed as a tool for deploying Microsoft® Windows NT® operating system-based embedded solutions, Component Integrator makes it easier and faster for engineers to develop and deploy customized, embedded, or real-time applications based on Windows® environments. With this agreement, Microsoft demonstrates its commitment to support the increasing needs of customers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) deploying embedded systems across a variety of vertical industries.
“Customers and OEMs continually give us feedback on how we can better support their growing needs for using Windows NT in embedded solutions,”
said Jim Allchin, senior vice president, personal and business systems group at Microsoft Corp.
“By licensing a leading technology such as VenturCom’s Component Integrator tool, we will continue to respond to the specialized needs of our customers that deploy and develop embedded systems.”
Microsoft and VenturCom have a strong working relationship in delivering embedded solutions in the Windows environment. VenturCom has been very successful, with multiple projects with more than 275 partners worldwide in many vertical markets, including retail, industrial automation, telecommunications, aviation, simulation, imaging and gaming. As an extension of the companies’ existing relationship, the latest agreement gives Microsoft an opportunity to ensure future developments in its operating system will support specialized tools such as Component Integrator, various existing embedded applications on Windows NT and the many customers who deploy them.
“The shape of the embedded industry has changed. The opportunities and needs for embedded solutions have grown exponentially,”
said Michael Dexter Smith, chief executive officer of VenturCom.
“This agreement reaffirms Microsoft’s commitment to this worldwide industry. VenturCom is delighted to be working with Microsoft to help meet the needs of embedded systems customers.”
In the retail industry, the Windows family supports solutions across various embedded devices throughout the retail chain, such as mobile warehousing and sales scanners, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and interactive kiosks, thereby integrating client/server systems and legacy applications. In a broader industry effort, Microsoft continues to support embedded retail systems through the COM-based ActiveStore
™
retail technology architecture initiative for store-level applications and the Value Chain Initiative (VCI) for business-to-business electronic commerce. For more information on Microsoft retail solutions, visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/industry/retail/ .
As a result of the agreement, VenturCom plans to increase its consulting, service and support associated with sales of its Component Integrator tool and Windows NT-based embedded systems. It is anticipated that aspects of its consulting services will see substantial growth over the next 12 to 18 months to accommodate the growing demand of Windows NT-based embedded systems across key vertical markets. In addition, VenturCom plans to expand its worldwide training and support operations as well as its distribution channel.
About VenturCom Inc.
VenturCom Inc. is the leading technology provider of tools and extensions to rapidly develop and deploy dedicated, embedded, real-time applications based on the Windows operating systems. The company has distribution channels in more than 30 countries. Complete corporate and product information is available at VenturCom’s Web site, (http://www.vci.com/) .
About Microsoft Corp.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows NT, Windows and ActiveStore are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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