Microsoft Delivers Windows 7-Based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 Community Technology Preview

Windows Embedded Standard 2011 CTP available for download today to involve Microsoft's worldwide developer community in the release of the next-generation Windows platform for specialised devices.

Today, Microsoft Corp released the Windows 7-based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 (formerly code-named "Quebec") Community Technology Preview (CTP) to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers of specialised devices worldwide through its immediate public availability at http://connect.microsoft.com/windowsembedded. Windows Embedded Standard 2011 delivers the latest Windows 7 technologies to OEMs, enabling them to bring high-performing specialised devices to market faster, to differentiate those devices through innovative user experiences, and to delight their customers with devices that extend the Windows user experience to specialised devices from Windows-based PCs, servers and online services.

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"To meet the demand for improved user experiences and connectivity among today's rapidly growing categories of specialised devices, Microsoft has strategically planned the release of Windows 7-based technologies to OEMs in the embedded marketplace," said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded Business at Microsoft. "The availability of the Windows Embedded Standard 2011 CTP empowers our worldwide ecosystem of OEMs, partners and developers to take advantage of the next-generation platform's enhanced Windows 7-based features and provide feedback prior to its general release to manufacturing. We encourage the embedded community to take full advantage of the CTP's availability and join in our excitement as we look ahead to the future availability of Windows Embedded platforms incorporating Windows 7 technologies."

Windows 7 Features and Functionality Available in Windows Embedded Standard 2011

Windows Embedded Standard 2011 delivers the power, familiarity and reliability of the Windows 7 operating system in a highly customisable and componentised form, enabling OEMs in industrial automation, entertainment, consumer electronics and other markets to focus on their core competencies and create product differentiation. Instead of investing in platform development, Windows Embedded Standard 2011 allows OEMs to choose only the components they need to tailor the platform to meet the unique requirements of their device. Familiar, easy-to-use development tools and embedded-enabling features help to further reduce development costs and increase speed to market for thin-client, point-of-service (POS), kiosk, medical, multifunction printers and other devices.

Windows Embedded Standard 2011 capabilities and features include these:

    - Enterprise Equipped with the ability for organisations to seamlessly
      extend existing investments in technology management and infrastructure
      to devices by using Active Directory group policies and Microsoft
      System Center Configuration Manager, as well as increased
      interoperability for client server scenarios with Microsoft Terminal
      Services and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

    - Latest Windows technology innovations to enhance user experiences on
      specialised devices through the security of Internet Explorer 8,
      enhanced media capabilities of Windows Media Player 12, improved client
      server with Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 7.0 and Microsoft
      .NET Framework 3.5

    - Rich, immersive user experiences with support for 64-bit CPUs, Windows
      Aero user interface, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Touch
      (multigesture touch interfaces and context-aware applications) and
      Windows Flip 3D navigation

    - The ability to develop "green" solutions with smart power management
      APIs for developers to build applications that can improve CPU idle
      time and reduce power consumption

ESC Boston

During the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Boston (21-24 Sept at the Hynes Convention Center), Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded Business Unit at Microsoft, will deliver an industry keynote address on Tuesday, 22 Sept, at 10.30am. Dallas will detail how the Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform enables developers and OEMs to provide the unique value of Windows on specialised devices, as well as sharing a Windows Embedded product road map update.

Microsoft will also be participating in TechInsights' "Build Your Own Embedded System" seminars, enabling attendees to take home a custom-configured design kit based on Windows Embedded Standard 2011. Conferencegoers can visit the Microsoft booth (No 400) or http://esc-boston.techinsightsevents.com for more information.

Community Resources Available Pre- and Post-Launch

A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification, preparation kit and training courseware will be available for Windows Embedded Standard 2011 during the timeframe of its release to manufacturing (RTM), approximately the second half of 2010. Additional Windows Embedded training opportunities can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/about/training.mspx.

Microsoft will also host a series of five free webinars exploring the enhanced functionality, networking capabilities, improved security and reliability of Windows Embedded Standard 2011. Participants can register at https://swrt.worktankseattle.com/webcast/2672/preview.aspx. A full listing of additional technical events and seminars can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/news/events/default.mspx.

Additional information on Windows Embedded Standard 2011 and the entire Windows Embedded portfolio of platforms and technologies can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

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