Microsoft has released Windows Embedded Standard 2011 (formerly code-named ‘Quebec’) Community Technology Preview (CTP), a test version of the Windows 7-based embedded operating system. The new version is available for OEMs and developers of specialised devices on the company website.
The company claimed that Windows Embedded Standard 2011 delivers the reliability of the Windows 7 operating system in a customisable and componentised form, enabling OEMs to focus on their core competencies and bring specialised devices to the market faster. 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 requirements of their device.
The new embedded edition has enterprise features with the ability for organisations to extend existing investments in technology management and infrastructure to devices by using Active Directory group policies and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. It also increases interoperability for client server scenarios with Microsoft Terminal Services and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), the company said.
According to Microsoft, the new version supports Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player 12, Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 7.0 and .NET Framework 3.5. It also offers support for 64-bit CPUs, Windows Aero user interface, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Touch and Windows Flip 3D navigation.
The inclusion of power management APIs allows developers to build applications that can improve CPU idle time and reduce power consumption, added the company.
Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows embedded business at Microsoft, said: “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.
“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.”
