Microsoft Announces Availability of Windows XP Embedded

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 28, 2001 — Microsoft Corp. kicked off the second annual Windows® Embedded Developers Conference today with a keynote address by Jim Allchin, group vice president of the companys Platforms Division, announcing the availability of Windows XP Embedded. Windows XP Embedded, the componentized version of the Windows XP operating system, enables rapid development of the most reliable and full-featured connected devices including retail point-of-sale devices, thin clients, gaming systems, self-service kiosks, industrial automation, residential gateways, and advanced set-top boxes. In addition, Microsoft announced a free* evaluation kit, as well as a 90-day promotional price of $995 (U.S.) (estimated retail price) for the Windows XP Embedded tool suite, to enable embedded developers to evaluate and build devices quickly and economically. Microsoft also announced new Windows XP Embedded training curriculum, a two-day hands-on course that provides in-depth Windows XP Embedded training for embedded developers from more than seven certified training companies worldwide.

“We committed to providing the latest Windows technologies to our embedded customers within 90 days of the general availability of Windows XP, and we are excited to launch Windows XP Embedded ahead of that commitment, within 35 days,”
Allchin said.
“With our free evaluation kit, promotional tools pricing, and in-depth training curriculum, theres no better time for embedded developers to start building their next-generation, smart, connected devices.”

Windows XP Embedded Delivers a Robust, Full-Featured Platform

Based on the same features as Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Embedded enables embedded developers to utilize prebuilt configurations or select from more than 10,000 components to provide the rich capabilities they need for customers and build smaller footprint embedded devices. Windows XP Embedded delivers industry-leading reliability, security and performance along with the latest multimedia, Web browsing, power management and broad device support.

Windows XP Embedded also supports embedded-enabling capabilities such as headless support and flexible boot and storage options to meet the requirements of embedded devices. Windows XP Embedded includes all new developer tools that enable developers to rapidly configure, build and deploy smart connected devices. Windows XP Embedded allows for a range of footprints from 4.8 MB for a minimum configuration, increasing to 14 MB for a basic Win32® system, to 25 MB for a basic Win32 system with security infrastructure, and only 70 MB for the full Win32 API set with the user interface, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, Windows Media™
Player 8.0, Terminal Server client, USB support and SNMP support.

Getting Started

Developers can order a free (shipping and handling fees will apply) evaluation copy of Windows XP Embedded on the Web at http://www.microsoft.com/embedded/ . The evaluation copy provides a full version of the tools and the operating system binaries, allowing developers to build prototypes and test their Windows XP Embedded images. The embedded images created with the evaluation edition carry a 120-day expiration date after the first boot of the device. Windows XP Embedded can be ordered today for the special promotional price of $995 (estimated retail price) until Feb. 28, 2002, from Microsoft authorized distributors worldwide. A list of distributors can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/xp/howtobuy/ .

New Training Curriculum for Developers

Microsoft announced today the availability of a new two-day training program for embedded developers and systems integrators. The training is available from Windows Embedded Training Partners as well as through the Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center (Microsoft CTEC) channel. These courses will provide students with in-depth information about designing, building and testing Windows XP Embedded systems. More information about the Windows XP Embedded training program is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/nt/using/training/ .

Windows Embedded Developers Conference

The second annual Windows Embedded Developers Conference began today and runs through Nov. 30 at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Conferees have access to in-depth technical sessions about the Microsoft Windows Embedded family of operating systems, technologies and development tools — including Windows XP Embedded, Windows CE .NET and Visual Studio® .NET — taught by members of the Microsoft product teams and industry experts who are designing and developing the next generation of Windows Embedded operating systems.

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 XP Embedded. Next-generation Windows Embedded platforms in development include Windows CE .NET, the next generation of the Windows CE operating systems 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.

* Shipping and handling fees will apply.

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