Microsoft launches new standard for Windows in embedded systems

Redmond, WA — Computer software giant Microsoft announced what it characterizes as a new standard in operating systems for embedded system platforms. Called Windows Embedded Standard , the operating system (OS) is intended to be the next generation of Microsoft Windows XP Embedded.Sandwiched in between Windows Embedded CE and Windows Embedded Enterprise, Windows Embedded Standard features reduced footprint, which can be as small as 40 MB depending on which components the system developer chooses to include. That’s right, when assembling a Windows Embedded Standard distribution to deploy to an application, the system developer can pick and choose from among 12,000 individual components to support just the OS services needed for the application.Microsoft projects that future computing devices will not be stand alone. They will be on the same network as workstations, laptops, and servers, and the same IT departments will have to manage them for the enterprise. As the new OS is fully Win 32 Application compatibility.The new OS is part of a strategy announced at the Embedded Systems Conference Silicon Valley held in San Jose, CA, in April. Microsoft’s Windows Embedded [www.windowsembedded.com] division announced that it was changing the names of its three flagship operating systems (OSs) to underscore its commitment to the embedded systems community.At that time, Microsoft announced that the next generation of its well-known Windows CE OS would be called “Windows Embedded Compact.” That of Windows XP Embedded will be called “Windows Embedded Standard.” Full versions of the Windows desktop OS licensed for embedded systems use would be called “Windows Embedded Enterprise.”Microsoft said Windows Embedded Compact version is a platform toolkit for power conscious devices with smaller footprints and real time requirements. Windows Embedded Standard delivers the power of Windows desktop OS in a componentized form with embedded enhancements. Windows Embedded Enterprise is for embedded applications needing the full power of Windows desktop OS.“Componentization is essential for developers building customized embedded devices,” says Mike Hall, software architect for Microsoft Windows Embedded Business, “developers can choose to configure an ideal OS for their embedded application. Windows Embedded Compact, and Standard are highly modular, developers can choose the parts of the operating system needed for their specific embedded design.”Developers can use those packages as starting platforms to jump-start their application. They then add or remove modules to optimize the final OS.– Edited by  C.G. Masi , senior editor Control Engineering Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free .

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.