SAN FRANCISCO, April 10, 2001 — Today at the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) San Francisco 2001, Microsoft Corp. announced the release of beta 1 of
“Talisker” (the code name for the next version of the Microsoft® Windows® CE operating system).
“Talisker,”
a robust real-time embedded operating system, will deliver the latest wireless and multimedia functionality to enable embedded developers to quickly bring to market smart connected devices. Microsoft also unveiled the Microsoft Windows CE 3.0 Innovation Alliance Program, which gives systems integrators (SIs) increased source code access that will enable them to provide greater service to their customers. In addition, Microsoft announced 18 new board support packages (BSPs) for the Windows CE 3.0 operating system, further reducing time to market for OEMs, as well as new Windows CE 3.0 worldwide training programs.
“This has been an incredibly successful year for Windows CE, and we are excited about the industry adoption we are seeing around Windows CE 3.0,”
said Bill Veghte, vice president of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp.
“‘Talisker’ continues the technology innovation of Windows CE 3.0 and will enable industry partners to quickly build the next generation of .NET-enabled smart devices.”
“
Talisker
”
Beta 1
Designed for small-footprint, connected mobile devices,
“Talisker”
beta 1 was released today to approximately 300 beta testers for feedback and early prototyping. Among the key new features delivered in
“Talisker”
beta 1 are better wireless and network connectivity through native support for Bluetooth, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and new USB drivers, enhanced multimedia functionality with DVD support, and stronger security with the inclusion of the Kerberos security protocol and support for secure socket layers (SSL) for the HTTP Server in
“Talisker.”
In addition, new functionalities such as installable interrupt service routines (ISRs), new BSPs and customizable UI services will help OEMs deliver products to market faster and upgrade the functionality of their devices throughout the product life cycle. Microsoft is targeting late 2001 for final release.
Windows CE 3.0 Innovation Alliance Program
The Windows CE 3.0 Innovation Alliance Program, which includes key systems integrators such as Accelent Systems Inc., Annasoft Systems, BSQUARE Corp., NMI Electronics Ltd., 3Soft GmbH and VenturCom Inc., is designed to give SIs increased access to the Windows CE 3.0 source code so they can provide a higher level of service and support when building Windows CE-based devices. The extended access not only will assist in bringing up the devices, but also will help in the debugging process as SIs develop applications and services to run on these Windows Powered smart devices.
New Windows CE 3.0 Board Support Packages
Microsoft also announced at ESC San Francisco this week that 18 new BSPs for Windows CE 3.0 are available for free download at http://www.msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ . BSPs are preconfigured and pretested software packages that, together with the hardware reference platforms, enable OEMs to jump-start their embedded designs and thereby significantly reduce their time to market.
Microsoft also announced the Windows CE 3.0 training programs. These five-day, instructor-led courses will provide in-depth, hands-on training on how to use Windows CE 3.0
Platform Builder to build embedded devices. Classes will be led by Microsoft-certified training companies and will be available in Belgium, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, India, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
About the Microsoft Windows Embedded Family
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.
About Microsoft
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.
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