eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
At the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Silicon Valley 2009, Microsoft will announce the Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition with Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Embedded subscription and Windows Embedded Developer Update service. The company also will announce expanded software-plus-services offerings for the Windows Embedded platform.
The new offerings expand the Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform with developer services that provide a cost-effective way to license Microsoft platforms and tools, receive technical support, and obtain early access to the latest Microsoft updates available, said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded business unit at Microsoft, in an interview with eWEEK. MSDN Embedded and Windows Embedded Developer Update provide the global MSDN community with consolidated subscription access to Microsoft’s extensive portfolio of embedded platforms and technologies that aid in building next-generation devices with advanced applications and rich user experiences, Dallas said.
“The first step in executing on the comprehensive Windows Embedded services vision is continuing our investment in developers, helping them to create smart, connected, service-oriented devices,” Dallas said. “The main objective of the Windows Embedded developer services initiative is to strengthen our commitment to ensuring that developers have seamless access to the ever-expanding set of products, documentation, support technology and third-party updates, which is why we are increasing our investment in the Windows Embedded MSDN community.”
Dallas added that Microsoft “realized there would be more and more devices that are smart, connected to the Internet and very much service-aware, and we knew we needed a better strategy to empower developers to build applications for these devices. Today, if you want to build a connected device it’s quite challenging. This new offer gives developers the ability to access our full software portfolio and participate in the industry’s largest developer network.”
Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition with MSDN Embedded builds on traditional MSDN benefits by providing developers of embedded devices with a single subscription for access to a variety of Microsoft operating systems, technical support and other resources. The subscription includes the Visual Studio suite of software development tools and the following Windows Embedded platforms and technologies:
“??Ã Windows Embedded CE, a 32-bit native, componentized, hard real-time operating system designed for small-footprint devices??Ã Windows Embedded Standard, the next generation of Windows XP Embedded for advanced enterprise devices??Ã Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, which provides innovative technologies to help build devices optimized for portable navigation??Ã Windows Embedded POSReady 2009, a flexible operating system designed to seamlessly connect point-of-service (POS) solutions with peripherals, servers and services“
Meanwhile, MSDN Premium subscribers also will have access to the resources in MSDN Embedded, enhancing their existing MSDN investments, Dallas said.
In addition, Windows Embedded Developer Update, available exclusively to MSDN Embedded and MSDN Premium subscribers, delivers a connected experience for developers by seamlessly delivering the latest technology innovations from Microsoft and other third parties directly into the Windows Embedded development environment. The service integrates a client on the developer’s machine to a cloud service hosting the content, such as product updates, platform technologies and other resources from Microsoft, as well as drivers, Board Support Packages (BSPs) and other technologies from Microsoft’s global partner ecosystem. Customers will receive automatic notifications when new content is available through the service and also will have access to new technologies and product enhancements before they are available to the public.
Visual Studio Professional 2008 with MSDN Embedded is scheduled to be available in July 2009; the Windows Embedded Developer Update service is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2010. Developers can obtain a subscription or find out more information on the Windows Embedded resources available through MSDN by visiting here.
Dallas said that despite the recession, he sees growth in the area of devices, including netbooks. We’re seeing growth and we’re looking to continue to grow with our partners.” He said with its Windows Embedded strategy Microsoft is focusing on three different audiences: developers, original equipment manufacturers, and end users.
Meanwhile, Microsoft also announced the expansion of its Windows embedded software plus services platform through the addition of Windows Embedded Server to the Microsoft portfolio of embedded platforms and technologies.
“The evolution of the Windows Embedded software-plus -services platform with the addition of Windows Embedded Server reflects the realization of Microsoft’s continued commitment to drive innovation and leadership in the embedded market by fostering the next generation of smart, connected, service-oriented devices,” Dallas said. “The combination of software plus services from Windows Embedded will establish new revenue channels for embedded OEMs and partners by utilizing Windows Embedded Server and the complete Microsoft portfolio of embedded platforms and technologies in scenarios such as device maintenance and support.”
Indeed, today, OEMs can use Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager for remote servicing and maintenance and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager for monitoring to deliver preventive maintenance.
Moreover, these announcements help pave the way for enabling more end user services, such as enabling more with Windows Live, Live Search and other Microsoft services on OEM devices, Dallas said, but noted that Microsoft did not have any announcements in those specific areas.
However, “we’re taking some very aggressive steps in moving to a software-plus-services platform for embedded systems,” Dallas said.