REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 29, 2010 — It’s pretty remarkable how Windows Embedded can touch upon virtually every aspect of your life whether you know it or not.
As you’ve seen from previous feature articles on the Windows Embedded News Center, everything including in-car infotainment systems, connected media devices and other specialized devices utilizes the Windows Embedded portfolio of platforms and technologies to deliver unique experiences to users. Another way Windows Embedded integrates into devices we utilize every day, especially when it comes to the way we work, is through Windows Embedded Server.
OEMs and enterprises are leveraging the endless possibilities of Windows Embedded Server.
So what exactly is Windows Embedded Server? You may be familiar with Windows Server; well, Windows Embedded Server contains the same software bits and operates identically to the overall function of Windows Server. However, the Windows Embedded Server platform sets restrictions that specify how a product should function; this is to ensure that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can build and deploy dedicated server appliances and solutions that businesses expect. Examples of these types of solutions can be found in the medical imaging, industrial automation, telecommunications, security and surveillance, and energy sectors.
Windows Embedded Server provides built-in virtualization to run new and legacy functionality side by side, management enhancements to reduce power consumption, and features that are designed specifically to work with embedded devices or client computers running Windows 7. This helps OEMs save time and reduce costs as they build their dedicated solutions and appliances.
In addition, Server Core is a notable feature within Windows Embedded Server that allows OEMs to only install the operating system components and features that are needed to support their applications and services. This ensures that OEMs have a solution with a more efficient foot print and a reduced attack surface.
“OEMs are looking to build more robust, reliable and rugged server appliances that easily integrate into existing systems, provide excellent interoperability and reduce total cost of ownership,” says Venu Subramanyam, product manager for Windows Embedded Server. “By utilizing Windows Embedded Server, OEMs can build server appliances that are easy to deploy, are robust and compact, and maintain highly reliable connectivity.”
Some key examples of devices using Windows Embedded Server include video management systems in security and surveillance that help operators detect, verify, resolve and investigate security events quickly and effectively. Also, Windows Embedded Server could be helping to keep your work data safe through security devices such firewalls and anti-spam protection.
We’ll be exploring these and other scenarios for Windows Embedded Server over the next few weeks; please be sure to check back to as these stories are rolled out.
Looking to download a trial of Windows Embedded Server? You can find more information here.
Are you a developer using Windows Embedded Server? Be sure to tell us about your unique device on the @msftweb Twitter handle.
