New program features developer tools, embedded operating systems, and board
packages for hobbyist developers and academic community.
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At the Embedded
Systems Conference today, Microsoft Corp. rolled out the full details about
its SPARK Your Imagination community-focused program, a joint agreement
between Microsoft and select hardware vendors to bring a complete offering
of hardware and software to nonprofessional developers through a simple and
affordable engagement model. The program offerings have an estimated retail
value of $1,300 and will be available immediately worldwide at prices
ranging from $250 to $350.
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Previously code-named the "SPARK" initiative when it was first
announced in November 2007, SPARK Your Imagination
(http://www.windowsembedded.com/spark) brings the benefits of embedded
development on Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 and Visual Studio 2005
Professional Edition to hobbyist developers and the academic community.
Currently, under its MSDN Academic Alliance (MSDN AA) Program, Microsoft
provides software for students and faculty in the embedded technology and
design fields. Through the SPARK Your Imagination community program, the
company is adding complementary offerings and extending them to the greater
nonprofessional developer community to continue its dedication to the
industry and future talent pool.
"Devices running embedded operating systems have seen explosive growth
in the past few years, and the announcement today demonstrates our
commitment to the future of the embedded community," said Kevin Dallas,
general manager of Windows Embedded Business at Microsoft. "Our continued
investment supports future innovation and new idea generation that will
ultimately contribute to our vision of smart, connected, service-oriented
devices."
SPARK Your Imagination Offer Availability
The initial list of hardware vendors participating in the program
includes AdvanTech Co. Ltd., ICOP Digital Inc., Keith & Koep GmbH, VIA
Technologies Inc. and Special Computing. SPARK Your Imagination offers will
be available for purchase for program participants directly from this
select list of hardware vendors. Program participants will receive the
following:
-- Complete versions. A full version of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 and
Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition will be offered with select
boards from participating hardware vendors and made available to
academics and hobbyists at price points optimized for nonprofessional
users. The offering is for noncommercial use.
-- BSP certification. As part of the SPARK Your Imagination program,
Microsoft will begin offering Board Support Package (BSP)
certification at no charge, which will now apply to both commercial
and noncommercial use.
BSP Certification Becomes Free
As part of this announcement, Microsoft now offers Board Support
Package (BSP) certification free to the entire Windows Embedded community,
for both commercial and noncommercial use. Up to two test passes per BSP
will be processed at no cost, should one need a retest; a fee of $500 will
apply. Previously BSP certification cost $1,500. BSP certification
guarantees compatibility with the designated Windows Embedded CE operating
system requirements by Microsoft, thereby allowing OEMs to spend more time
developing differentiating features for their devices and products.
Availability
Interested hobbyists and enthusiasts may visit
http://www.windowsembedded.com/spark for information about program
participation.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize
their full potential.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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http://www.microsoft.com/
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