Microsoft Announces MSDN Embedded Subscription and Windows Embedded Developer Update

Microsoft Announces MSDN Embedded Subscription and Windows Embedded Developer
Update

Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform with developer services
provides simplified access to the latest tools, resources and help available
from Microsoft and its global partner ecosystem.

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tuesday, during an
industry address at the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Silicon Valley 2009,
Microsoft Corp. will announce the Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional
Edition with MSDN Embedded subscription and Windows Embedded Developer Update
service. 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. 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.

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"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," said Kevin Dallas, general
manager of the Windows Embedded business unit at Microsoft. "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."

Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition With MSDN Embedded
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:

-- Windows Embedded CE, a 32-bit native, componentized, hard real-time
operating system designed for small-footprint devices
-- Windows Embedded Standard, the next generation of Windows XP Embedded
for advanced enterprise devices
-- Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, which provides innovative technologies
to help build devices optimized for portable navigation

-- Windows Embedded POSReady 2009, a flexible operating system designed
to
seamlessly connect point-of-service (POS) solutions with peripherals,
servers and services

MSDN Premium subscribers will also have access to the resources in MSDN
Embedded, enhancing their existing MSDN investments.

Windows Embedded Developer Update
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 http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded. A
comparison of MSDN Subscription options is available at
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/subscriptionschart.aspx.

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.

Michelle Gryder of Weber Shandwick, +1-212-445-8181,
mgryder@webershandwick.com, for Microsoft Corp.