More Than 60 Partners Participate in Early Development Programs Helping
To Propel Windows Embedded to No. 1 Industry Position
SAN FRANCISCO, April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At the Embedded Systems
Conference, Microsoft Corp., the worldwide leader in embedded operating
systems, today announced the release to manufacturing of Microsoft(R)
Windows(R) CE .NET version 4.2, previously code-named "McKendric." Windows CE
.NET 4.2 combines Microsoft's most advanced real-time operating system with
powerful tools for rapidly creating the next generation of smart, connected
and small-footprint devices. Windows CE .NET 4.2 adds new features for
creating innovative solutions in gateway, voice over IP (VoIP) and set-top box
(STB) devices along with faster performance and greater application
compatibility for the wide range of consumer and commercial embedded devices
in which Windows CE is used today. In addition, Microsoft announced that more
than 60 companies participated in the Microsoft early development programs
for Windows CE .NET 4.2, providing valuable customer feedback and at the same
time kick-starting their own delivery of a wide range of devices and solutions
based on the new operating system.
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"Windows CE .NET 4.2 provides customers with the desired technology for
implementing sophisticated voice, video and data functionality for next-
generation devices. Customers are already taking advantage of the new feature
sets found in Windows CE .NET 4.2 as they prepare to deliver new gateway,
voice over IP and set-top box solutions. The positive response from industry
leaders to Windows CE .NET 4.2 demonstrates it is in lock step with the
evolution of the embedded software industry," said Todd Warren, general
manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft. "We're
very excited to see industry data rank us No. 1 in the embedded marketplace
and will continue to improve our products and services along with our strong
partner base to maintain this leadership position."
Operating System Enhancements
Windows CE .NET 4.2 includes new features to create innovative solutions
and deliver differentiated user experiences. These new features in Windows CE
.NET 4.2 include the following:
-- Enhanced foundation. Improved security and kernel enhancements include
a faster compression engine and flexible cache flushing. Windows CE
.NET 4.2 also increases the number of lines of source code available in
the box to over 2 million to assist developers with debugging and
device bring up.
-- Innovative device solutions. New gateway, VoIP and STB features target
the needs of device manufacturers to rapidly and effectively create
compelling devices with communication, data and voice requirements. New
features include support for Internet Protocol Firewall and Layer 2
Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), and the
Telephony User Interface, which provides a fully integrated and
telephony-specific graphical user interface.
-- Enhanced multimedia and browsing. Original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs) can deliver rich, integrated browsing and multimedia with the
inclusion of Internet Explorer 6 for Windows CE and Microsoft Windows
Media(R) 9 Series codecs that provide an instant-on, always-on,
playback digital media experience for broadband users.
-- New applications and services. Developers will find improved ease of
use and the ability to reduce time to market with new applications and
services. The .NET Compact Framework enables rapid, managed code
development for devices, leveraging the well-known desktop development
tools. Windows CE .NET 4.2 also provides improved API compatibility
across Windows CE-based devices, including the Pocket PC software
platform.
-- Easy access to partner solutions. Windows CE .NET 4.2 also provides an
additional CD containing 18 third-party solutions from eight Windows
Embedded partners. These additional components include board support
packages (BSPs), hardware-specific device drivers and profiling tools
to offer additional, out-of-the-box software options for embedded
developers. Developers can always visit the Hardware Design Center or
the Windows Embedded Partner Marketplace for additional third-party
solutions.
Windows CE Early Development Programs
More than 60 companies are participating in the Windows CE .NET 4.2 early
development programs, including industry leaders such as HP, NEC Access
Technica, NEC Infrontia, Toshiba TEC Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
The early development programs include the Joint Development Program (JDP) for
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers
(ODMs), building devices on Windows CE .NET 4.2, and the Windows CE .NET ISV
Early Adopter Program (EAP), building innovative software applications and
middleware. These programs promote rapid adoption of the operating system by
providing OEMs, ODMs and independent software vendors with early access to
Windows CE .NET 4.2. In turn, Microsoft is able to design and develop a
feature set based on direct customer feedback and industry needs. Through
Microsoft's early development programs, these companies will soon deliver a
breadth of devices, designs and software applications to the market that
enable and enhance such devices as mobile handhelds, gateways, set-top boxes,
and VoIP devices and solutions.
No. 1 Embedded Operating System Provider Worldwide
The strong interest in Windows CE .NET as well as Windows XP Embedded by
industry leaders has been instrumental in securing a No. 1 position for
Windows Embedded products. According to Venture Development Corp., Microsoft
led in worldwide shipments of embedded operating systems for 2002. "With the
strong feature set included in Windows CE .NET 4.2, we expect Microsoft to
reinforce its leadership position in the embedded operating systems
marketplace," said Chris Lanfear, manager of Embedded Software Research at
Venture Development Corp. "Developers will find that the enhancements in
Windows CE .NET 4.2 will provide a foundation for both releasing their
creativity and meeting project timelines."
For 2001, Microsoft led revenue for embedded operating systems according
to International Data Corp. document 27653, Worldwide Mobile and Embedded
Operating Environment Market Forecast and Analysis, 2002-2006. Further
supporting Microsoft's position in the embedded operating system industry,
Fred Broussard, senior analyst at IDC, notes, "A key to success in the
embedded marketplace is offering customers a strong solution suite, solutions
that offer a robust product line that includes software development kits and
licenses for cross-functional solutions. The new version, Windows CE .NET 4.2,
specifically provides new tools, performance enhancements and features for
VoIP, residential gateways and set-top boxes. With the addition of Windows CE
.NET 4.2 to the Windows Embedded product family of Windows CE and Windows XP
Embedded, Microsoft continues to build a strong position in the marketplace."
Pricing and Availability
Windows CE .NET 4.2 evaluation kits will be available at Microsoft's
Embedded Systems Conference booth, No. 1002. Evaluation kits are also
available for order at the Windows Embedded Web site. Pricing and retail
availability dates will be announced shortly. More information can be found at
the Windows Embedded Web site at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce.net/.
About the Microsoft Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group
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. The Windows Embedded operating systems currently include Windows
CE and Windows XP Embedded. The Server Appliance Kit for Windows 2000 helps
OEMs build Windows Powered server appliances, including Network Attached
Storage (NAS) and Web servers. Windows CE was honored at the 2003
International Consumer Electronics Show for innovations in the category of
Software/Embedded Technologies. The Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group
also delivers the Windows CE for Smart Displays software technology that
powers a wide range of Smart Displays to extend the Windows XP experience to
any room in the home. Currently in development is "Media2Go," which is the
code name for a new device platform for powering the next generation of
portable media player devices that enable consumers to enjoy their videos,
music and pictures on the go.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft 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.
NOTE: Microsoft, Windows, Windows Media, Outlook, DirectX, Visual C++,
Visual Studio and Visual Basic are either registered trademarks or trademarks
of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.
The Industry Speaks Out in Support of Windows CE .NET 4.2
"As a leading provider of innovative network communications products,
AboCom's latest Multimedia Residential Gateway benefits from Windows CE .NET
4.2. Delivering a reliable performance in a small footprint along with the
latest networking and communications technologies, Windows CE .NET 4.2
provides enhanced features and technologies, including voice over IP (VoIP)
phone and gateway configurations, platform development tool enhancements, the
Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 1.0, and expanded Board Support Packages
(BSP). AboCom will continue to meet customer needs by delivering the latest in
Windows CE .NET-based technologies."
-- Andy Tsai
General Manager
Mobile InterConnected Products Division
AboCom Systems
"The power of Microsoft Windows CE .NET 4.2 exemplifies Microsoft's
investment in the embedded development community. Accelent Systems is pleased
to enhance our development toolkit, leveraging the capabilities of this
advanced software platform as a foundation for our embedded device community."
-- Albert McCabe
Executive Vice President
Worldwide Sales and Marketing
Accelent Systems
"With the increased support for VoIP and built-in Residential Gateway
features found in Microsoft Windows CE. NET 4.2, Advantech can now answer our
customers' needs in the growing e-home and building automation industries."
-- Jeff Chen
Vice President of the Embedded Computing
Group
Advantech
"Windows CE .NET 4.2 provides a rich, real-time operating system for the
embedded space and gives developers an improved set of tools and latest
networking and communication technologies for creating the next generation of
connected and small-footprint devices. With the enhanced features of Windows
CE .NET 4.2 in combination with the high performance and low power of the AMD
Alchemy Solutions processor family, our customers will be able to quickly
offer a variety of devices that are faster, have longer battery life, support
an enhanced multimedia and Internet experience and a more secure and scalable
networking infrastructure, and offer greater interoperability."
-- Phil Pompa
Vice President of Marketing for the PCS
group
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
"BSQUARE supports the powerful new features found in Windows CE .NET 4.2
across all of our major product lines. For example, our Power Handheld
reference design showcases some of Microsoft's most advanced capabilities,
such as the Pocket Outlook(R) Object Model. We just released Windows CE .NET
4.2-based development boards for AMD's Alchemy family of processors. In
addition, the next release of SmartBuild Device Solutions will support
Microsoft DirectX(R) for richer multimedia capabilities as well as standards-
based USB OHCI drivers for enhanced connectivity."
-- Bill Baxter
President and CEO
BSQUARE Corp.
"Windows CE .NET 4.2 provides Cirrus Logic's family of embedded
processors, including ARM7 and ARM9 products, with secure and scalable
networking, faster performance, richer multimedia and Web browsing
capabilities, and greater interoperability with PCs and servers. Consumer
device manufacturers leveraging Cirrus leadership ARM products will find
Microsoft Windows CE .NET 4.2 contributes enhancements for portable business
computing devices, as well as for electronic entertainment products."
-- Jean Anne Booth
Director of Marketing
Cirrus Logic
"With broadband-enabled services on an upward trajectory, ensuring the
cohesive integration between residential gateways and a variety of consumer
devices is critical. The Microsoft Windows CE .NET 4.2 platform, supported by
semiconductor solutions such as our new home network processor, is a win-win
solution for consumers and manufacturers alike."
-- Chee Kwan
Vice President of Broadband Access Products
Conexant
"With the new features and functions in Windows CE .NET 4.2, along with
the provided development resources from Microsoft, ICOP provides a complete
application development environment where developers can create feature-rich,
network-enabled, smart multimedia devices while in control of risk, cost and a
targeted schedule. The options to develop applications using Assembly, C/C++,
embedded Microsoft Visual C++(R), Visual Studio(R) .NET, Visual Basic(R) .NET
and other languages allow developers to port much of their existing source-
code library to work with Windows CE .NET easily. Combined, ICOP's Vortex86
hardware and Windows CE .NET 4.2-based BSP and SDK help customers shorten
their product development schedule."
-- Samuel Phung
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
ICOP
"Intel aims to provide powerful technologies that will help enable a
compelling user experience. Microsoft Windows CE .NET 4.2 coupled with
Intel(R) XScale(TM) technology based processors and Intel StrataFlash(R)
memory provides a unique combo of high-performance and low-power capabilities
to customers developing phones, PDAs, Smart Displays, Personal Media Players,
as well as communications applications such as voice over IP, residential and
wireless gateways for the home, and small to medium businesses."
-- Peter Green
General Manager of Extended Computing
Division
Intel Corp.
"Marvell is pleased to be utilizing the network functionality found in
Windows CE .NET 4.2 to supply network system solutions based on the Marvell
Link Street 88E6318 secure gateway router device. Marvell's Link Street device
includes strong support for quality of service (QoS) and enhanced security
IPsec processing by leveraging new Windows CE .NET 4.2 enhancements for QoS IP
media and IP security services delivered to remote and home office networks."
-- Bill Windsor
Director of Product Marketing for SOHO
Networking Products
Marvell
"Motorola's i.MX applications processor brings the best battery life,
lowest cost and lowest complexity to devices operating with Windows CE .NET
4.2. We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to bring consumers a superior
multimedia and Web-browsing experience."
-- Pete Shinyeda
Corporate Vice President and General Manager
Wireless and Broadband Systems Group
Motorola
"Transmeta's energy-efficient microprocessors are optimized for Windows CE
.NET 4.2 and emerging applications such as Smart Displays. Transmeta's unique
capability to accomplish software MPEG2/4 and Windows Media Video 8/9 decode
in a Smart Display form factor demonstrates the value of our LongRun power
management technology and the exceptional performance characteristics of
Transmeta's microprocessors."
-- Arthur L. Swift
Senior Vice President of Marketing
Transmeta Corp.
"With the PC world increasingly turning to embedded technologies to extend
the computing platform into the home and office, it is vital that hardware and
software developers work together to create a powerful yet flexible set of
system development tools. We are therefore delighted that Microsoft has
included VIA's device drivers with the new Windows CE .NET 4.2 embedded
operating system, as this will undoubtedly facilitate more rapid development
of small, low-power and feature-rich digital media platforms."
-- Paul Hsu
Executive Assistant to the President
VIA Technologies Inc.
"The new multimedia and Web-browsing features included in Windows CE .NET
4.2 will allow Vibren to deliver software solutions that create enhanced new-
generation applications that our customers have been waiting for."
-- Scott Pirdy
Vice President of Engineering
Vibren
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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