SAN FRANCISCO, March 13, 2002 — Today at the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) San Francisco 2002, Microsoft Corp. announced that a new report from Venture Development Corp., an independent research organization, showed that Microsoft more than doubled shipments of Windows®
Embedded operating systems in 2001. In a further demonstration of the strong momentum of Windows Embedded platforms, more than 50,000 copies of the Windows CE .NET Emulation Edition have been downloaded in less than 60 days. Microsoft also is increasing its commitment to the embedded marketplace with several new programs designed to meet embedded customers unique needs.
One of the programs Microsoft introduced was Microsoft®
Services for Embedded Partners, its first support program designed to meet the needs of embedded developers. The program includes a commitment to providing Quick Fix Engineering (QFE) support for up to seven years after the release of a version of an embedded operating system. Microsoft also announced the Windows CE Shared Source Academic Curriculum Program, a new program which enables academic institutions to include Windows CE source code in their textbook and course offerings for the first time. Finally, Microsoft unveiled the Windows CE Hardware Design Center, a one-stop Web site that will enable customers to quickly locate certified board support packages and device drivers for Windows CE, as well as provide information on a new program that provides free tools to ISVs and IHVs writing device drivers for Windows CE.
Building on our most successful year ever in the embedded marketplace, we are excited about expanding our range of support services and programs to ensure that Microsoft is meeting the unique needs of the embedded industry, said Todd Warren, general manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group (EAPG) at Microsoft. Microsoft is committed to continuing the development of innovative programs to ensure that our customers and industry partners have what they need to quickly and easily bring their Windows Powered smart devices to market.
Based on data from our recent annual report on the embedded systems software industry, we are seeing very strong growth in worldwide shipments of Microsoft embedded operating systems, with shipments doubling in the past year, said Chris Lanfear, Venture Development Corp. With the recent releases of Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE .NET, we expect to see this momentum continue as developers choose Windows Embedded operating systems and tools to quickly bring to market their next-generation smart devices that utilize rich applications and services and integrate easily with other devices, PCs and servers.
Microsoft Services for Embedded Partners
OEMs, systems integrators, silicon vendors and other suppliers of embedded solutions must provide support for their customers for an extended time. Customers and partners must be confident that operating system vendors can provide high-quality support over the lifetime of their device. To meet this need, Microsoft has created a new embedded-specific support offering, Microsoft Services for Embedded Partners. Embedded partners can now choose from a variety of customized packages that include the following features:
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Dedicated Microsoft Technical Account Managers
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Microsoft QFE solution support for up to seven years after an operating system is released to market
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Consulting services, including product and prototype development assistance, with Microsoft Windows Embedded experts
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Opportunities for consulting and training services from Microsoft on Windows Embedded development
Windows CE Shared Source Academic Curriculum Program
Since the release of Windows CE .NET on Jan. 7, embedded developers have downloaded more than 50,000 copies of the Windows CE .NET Emulation Edition, which includes Windows CE source code under the Windows CE Shared Source License (WCESSL). Building on the success of WCESSL, Microsoft is announcing the Windows CE Shared Source Academic Curriculum Program, a new Windows CE Shared Source licensing program designed for academic institutions. This new program will enable colleges and universities to include Windows CE .NET source code in their curriculum offerings, including textbooks and course materials. More information is available at http://www.msdnaa.net/technologies/winemb.asp .
New Windows CE Hardware Design Center
Microsoft also announced the Windows CE Hardware Design Center ( http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce.net/evaluation/hardware/ ), a new online resource that will provide a one-stop destination for developers to quickly locate supported and certified processors, board support packages (BSPs) and device drivers, helping reduce the hardware development cycle. New information on this site includes the following:
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Microsoft-certified BSPs, device drivers and processors for Windows CE
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Information on the newly developed Windows CE Driver Development Program, which includes a free copy of Windows CE .NET to enable IHVs to quickly and easily develop drivers for their Windows CE .NET-based solutions
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Certification guidelines for device drivers and BSPs
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New Windows CE documentation, including the Windows CE Hardware Compatibility List (HCL), guidelines on writing Windows CE drivers and the performance-tuning Windows CE-based device
Windows CE .NET Device Emulator
Based on Windows CE .NET emulation technology, the Windows CE .NET Device Emulator enables users to view embedded projects on any PC running Windows 2000 SP1 or Windows XP without the need for additional hardware. At approximately 30 MB, this technology enables any customer to evaluate applications and services written for Windows CE-based platforms without additional hardware. For example, developers can share their latest Windows CE .NET-based design image with co-workers or their customers in the embedded community. The Windows CE .NET Device Emulator is available today for free download at http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ (connect-time charges may apply).
Windows Embedded OEM Technical Seminar Series
Microsoft also announced the Windows Embedded OEM Technical Seminar Series, a series of 12 single-day conferences held from April to June 2002 and designed to help OEMs get their development cycles underway and quickly deliver Windows CE .NET- and Windows XP Embedded-based devices to market. More information on these seminars can be obtained by visiting http://www.microsoftembedded.com/ or by contacting your local authorized Microsoft Embedded systems distributor.
About the Microsoft Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group
The Microsoft Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group delivers the Windows Embedded operating systems and tools, which are comprehensive software platforms for building the next generation of intelligent, 32-bit connected Windows Powered devices that demand rich applications and Internet services. 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 .NET and Windows XP Embedded, as well as the Server Appliance Kit for Windows 2000. The EAPG is currently working on the development of Mira, which is the code name for a set of Windows CE .NET-based technologies that will extend the Windows XP experience throughout the home with wireless smart display devices.
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.
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
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