Microsoft Announces Release of “Whistler Embedded” Beta 1

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 18, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. announced today the beta 1 release of the next embedded version of the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 operating system, currently code-named
“Whistler Embedded.” “Whistler Embedded”
delivers all the richness, innovation and reliability of the next generation of Windows in a componentized version, enabling embedded developers to select specific technology components required for a wide range of unique Windows Powered devices. Beta 1 is focused on delivering embedded client scenarios, including Windows-based terminals, advanced set-top boxes and retail point-of-sale kiosks. With the release of
“Whistler Embedded”
beta 1 coming only 48 days after release of the
“Whistler”
beta, Microsoft underscores its commitment to bringing the latest, most innovative Windows technology to the embedded space in a timely manner.

“Building on the success of Windows NT® Embedded 4.0, we are committed to helping embedded developers utilize the ‘Whistler’ advancements through componentization and a rich embedded tool set,”
said Bill Veghte, vice president of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft.
“The release of ‘Whistler Embedded’ beta 1 is an important milestone because it facilitates feedback from our close customers and industry partners, which is critical to ensuring a reliable and well-tested final release for the fast-growing embedded industry.”

“Whistler Embedded”
is being developed around three primary design goals: The first is to deliver extensive componentization of the
“Whistler”
operating system so appliance and device manufacturers have more flexibility and choice from a broad set of features and functionality. The second is to bring the most innovative and cutting-edge Windows technology to the embedded space within 90 days of the release of
“Whistler.”
The third is to deliver a powerful new set of development and authoring tools to help facilitate quicker development and reduce the time to market.

The new development and authoring tools include the following:

  • Target Designer enables embedded developers to select the necessary feature components from a database of all available Windows components, add them to the run-time configuration and generate the customized operating system image.

  • Component Designer enables embedded developers to design their own custom operating system components and add them to the run-time configuration, and gives developers the capacity to add additional custom applications to the run-time configuration for the flexibility they need to build embedded systems.

  • Database Manager allows embedded developers to import their custom-built operating system components into the
    “Whistler Embedded”
    database repository. It also provides additional utilities for database management tasks such as changing server location, viewing database objects, and managing platforms and repositories.

  • Target Analyzer aids developers in the design process by providing system information such as which are the critical device drivers of the intended target system. Target Analyzer will quickly identify dependencies between critical operating system components and the required device drivers for the custom operating system image, helping developers quickly build an operating system image that will successfully boot on the target device.

“VenturCom has a strong relationship with Microsoft stemming from our experience with Windows NT Embedded 4.0 as well as with developing products and services, such as RTX 5.0, that extend the platform to provide real-time capabilities,”
said Michael Dexter-Smith, president and CEO of VenturCom.
“The ‘Whistler Embedded’ beta program will give us the opportunity to develop our expertise on the latest Windows technology, and work closely with Microsoft to provide feedback that results in the best-quality product for our mutual customers.”

About the Microsoft Windows Embedded Family and Microsoft

The Microsoft Windows Embedded operating systems and tools provide comprehensive software platforms for building the next generation of intelligent, 32-bit connected Windows Powered devices that demand rich applications and Internet services for a wide range of flexible solutions. In addition, Microsoft offers a wide range of programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of Windows Embedded customers, industry partners and developers. Windows Embedded includes Windows CE 3.0 and Windows NT Embedded 4.0.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software –
any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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