Microsoft Windows CE .NET Demonstrates Wireless Leadership With Bluetooth Qualification

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 30, 2001 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Bluetooth SIG Inc. has qualified the Bluetooth implementation in Windows® CE .NET, the next version of the Windows CE operating system, as compliant with the Bluetooth specification. Testing against dozens of the premier Bluetooth products from major manufacturers worldwide, together with successful completion of the Bluetooth Qualification Process (BQP), gives customers of the Microsoft® Windows CE .NET platform greater assurance of hardware interoperability. In addition, both Windows CE .NET Rapid Development Partner Siemens AG and Socket Communications Inc. are utilizing this integrated Bluetooth support in their solutions.

“Bluetooth will enable a broad range of new applications for mobile devices, and being qualified by the Bluetooth SIG helps assure OEMs using Windows CE .NET that their devices will be interoperable with the wide range of other Bluetooth devices,”
said Keith White, senior director of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft.
“One of our design goals for Windows CE .NET was to make it the best wireless platform. Our support for Bluetooth, among other protocols, is making this goal a reality.”

The Bluetooth SIG comprises leaders in the telecommunications, computing and network industries and drives development of the Bluetooth technology and its delivery to market. To successfully complete the BQP, companies must file documentation and submit the candidate product for intensive interoperability and end product conformance testing.

Siemens, a Windows CE .NET Rapid Development Partner, is currently working on next-generation products that will take advantage of the Bluetooth functionality delivered in Windows CE .NET. Siemens is using the Bluetooth solution within Windows CE .NET to support a range of usage scenarios, including dial-up networking for connection with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone; enabling devices to get LAN access to any existing network with a Bluetooth access point; and support of serial port profile for cable replacement while connecting to a printer or scanner.

“Windows CE .NET in combination with Bluetooth will be one of the most competitive advantages for us,”
said Klaus Karl, director of Information Appliances for JCM Cordless Products, Siemens AG.
“Siemens will profit from further developments in this area and will offer very attractive solutions for our customers.”

Socket Communications fully supports Windows CE .NET through its energy-efficient CompactFlash adapter cards, software development kits and small embedded modules, providing a mechanism for Windows CE .NET adopters to deliver end-to-end Bluetooth solutions. In addition, Windows CE .NET natively supports Sockets Bluetooth solutions, making them easier to implement.

“By leveraging the efforts Microsoft has made to qualify its Bluetooth implementation in Windows CE .NET, Socket can enhance the cordless connection experience with mobile phones, printers, digital cameras, security devices, in-building controllers and other peripherals. This qualification demonstrates Microsofts commitment to Bluetooth and positions its real-time operating system as a serious option for cordless implementations,”
said Mike Gifford, executive vice president at Socket Communications.
“Socket is committed to supporting Windows CE .NET-based devices with our Bluetooth solutions.”

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 operating systems currently shipping include Windows CE 3.0 and Windows NT® Embedded 4.0. Next-generation Windows Embedded platforms currently in development include Windows CE .NET, the next generation of the Windows CE operating system; Windows XP Embedded, the componentized version of the Windows XP operating system; and Windows .NET Embedded Server, the componentized version of the next-generation Windows .NET Server platform.

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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