SAN JOSE, Calif., June 16, 2003 — Today at Embedded Processor Forum 2003, Microsoft Corp. announced a Windows® Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program that enables Windows Embedded Partners for the first time to distribute a Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkit as well as an operating system (OS) runtime image for either Windows CE .NET or Windows XP Embedded on up to 1,000 of their hardware platforms free of charge. The Microsoft®
Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkits include the complete operating system components, which helps developers evaluate and build devices quickly and economically. The Windows CE .NET or Windows XP Embedded runtime image can be preloaded on the hardware platform to provide a complete solution right out of the box, allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and application developers to have device images available immediately (also called device-bring-up) and begin their evaluation processes more quickly.
“The Windows Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program is a free program that enables board vendors to provide an all-in-one hardware and software package,”
said Scott Horn, director of the Embedded Device Group at Microsoft.
“This new program pulls together the essential elements to shorten evaluation cycles, enhance the value of hardware platforms and reduce costs overall.”
Jump-Starting Development
The Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkits enable developers to quickly build prototypes and test images of Windows CE .NET or Windows XP Embedded with complete components from the operating system and their full toolsets, Windows CE Platform Builder, and Windows XP Target Designer. Previously, developers could only obtain the Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkits by ordering them through any authorized distributor or online through Microsofts Web site.
To date, more than 60,000 Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkits have been distributed. The evaluation software toolkits of Windows CE .NET 4.2 or Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 1 are 120-day trial versions of the software and are valid from the date of installation. Microsoft also provides a free (connect-time charges may apply) Windows CE .NET Emulation Edition for developers to build and test Windows CE .NET-based designs on workstations running Windows 2000 or Windows XP without requiring the target hardware to be used. More than 150,000 have already been downloaded. More information about the Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkits and the Windows CE .NET Emulation Edition can be found at http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/evaluate/evalkit/default.aspx .
Availability
The Windows Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program is open to any http://www.mswep.com/ Windows Embedded Partner producing and distributing evaluation hardware platforms running a Windows Embedded operating system. Hardware platforms used in the program must meet the following requirements:
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Platforms use a CPU supported by the relevant operating system as defined by these Web sites:
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Platforms are distributed for evaluation and development purposes only.
More information about the Windows Embedded Partner Program is available online at http://www.mswep.com/ . Applications for the Windows Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program are available for download .
About the Microsoft Windows Embedded Family
Microsoft is the worldwide leader in providing adaptable and scalable platforms for building the next generation of 32-bit, connected devices that enable rich applications and services. Microsoft Windows Embedded is a family of operating system software for use in embedded devices such as automated teller machines (ATMs), consumer electronics, gateways, industrial controllers, kiosks, mobile handheld devices, point-of-sale terminals, set-top boxes, voice over Internet protocol (voice over IP) phones and Windows-based thin clients. The Windows Embedded family of operating systems consists of Windows XP Embedded, which delivers the power of Windows XP Professional in componentized form for flexible development of reliable and advanced devices, and Windows CE .NET, an advanced, real-time operating system for small-footprint devices. Each of these operating system platforms includes powerful development tools for rapid development of customized devices. A Core license with an estimated retail price of $3 (U.S.) provides the rich capabilities of Windows CE .NET 4.2 for creating low-cost commercial and consumer devices. A free, noncommercial distribution license for Windows CE .NET 4.2 enables developers to share device images at no cost to foster innovation and collaboration. More information about the Windows Embedded family of operating systems can be found at http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ .
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.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsofts corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsofts Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp .
Windows Embedded Partners Are Bullish on Hardware Kit
“With this program, Microsoft removes one more obstacle from embedded systems development. Now, a customer can buy an evaluation system from ADS with an application-ready BSP that provides a Windows Embedded OS image and the tools to experiment on their own if they wish to speed up the development process.”
Bob Olsen
President and CEO
Applied Data Systems (ADS)
“Packaging the OS architecting tools with prebuilt OS images loaded on our hardware is an excellent way for us to continue offering our customers a way to quickly and thoroughly evaluate our hardware with their selected Windows Embedded OS. The Kitting Program will allow us to increase our value add in our already successful development kits.”
John G. Meyer
Sales Manager
Arcom
“Building innovative devices quickly and economically is a key strength of the ARM partnership, and the Microsoft Windows Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program will further speed ARM core-based products to market. Faster evaluation, build and bring-up, along with the ability to leverage existing software investments made on ARM core-based Windows CE .NET 4.2 platforms, will enable original equipment manufacturers to maximize their returns in todays dynamic marketplace.”
Mary Inglis
Director of Operating Systems and Alliances
ARM
“Microsofts Windows Embedded operating systems coupled with ICOPs Vortex86 hardware platform provides an efficient solution development environment for industrial-automation, point-of-information, point-of-sales, security, remote-automation, human-machine-interface and industrial-thin-client devices. Being able to offer a Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkit and operating system image on our hardware platform allows ICOP to provide an application-development-ready platform and help our customers minimize development costs and risks, while shortening their development schedule.”
Samuel Phung
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
ICOP Technology Inc.
“Furthering our commitment to helping OEMs and ODMs develop next-generation devices, Intrinsyc is pleased to be a key part of Microsofts Windows Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program. The combination of Windows CE .NET with Intrinsycs reference platforms provides a compelling solution to manufacturers building devices such as smart phones, PDAs, smart displays, point-of-sale terminals and networking solutions such as residential and wireless gateways.”
Derek Spratt
President and CEO
Intrinsyc Software International Inc.
“The Windows Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program is a valuable addition to our development platform. We can ship a complete Windows CE development solution, which has a great out-of-the-box experience, and our customers will get a jump-start developing next-generation platforms based on Windows CE .NET and industry-standard MIPS cores.”
John Wilkes
Manager of Platform Solutions
MIPS Technologies Inc.
“NEC Electronics America is pleased to be able to offer a complete, ready-to-run platform for our customers using Microsofts new Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkit. This toolkit makes it more cost-effective and easier for our customers to start their application development quickly, which will enable a shorter design process and thereby reduce time to market.”
George Wang
General manager
Standard LSI Strategic Business Unit
NEC Electronics America Inc.
“Typically, our customers have made their decision and want to quickly engage with the Renesas SuperH processor, device drivers and emulator to build battery-powered and multimedia-based systems. We believe the kit will give them a convenient way to engage and shave up to six months off their development schedule.”
Steve Imsen
Director of Segment Marketing
System LSI Business Unit
Renesas Technology Corp.
“The Windows Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program will enable board vendors to distribute a Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkit and OS image to provide customers with a great starting point for product designs or development platforms. This program will allow designers to be up and running immediately and see their applications come alive with minimal time and effort.”
Kevin Wixom
Vice President
Vytek Corp.
