Microsoft Delivers Windows 7-Based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 Community Technology...

Microsoft Delivers Windows 7-Based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 Community
Technology Preview
Windows Embedded Standard 2011 CTP available for download today to involve
Microsoft's worldwide developer community in the release of the
next-generation Windows platform for specialized devices.

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Microsoft Corp.
released the Windows 7-based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 (formerly
code-named "Quebec") Community Technology Preview (CTP) to original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) and developers of specialized devices worldwide through
its immediate public availability at
http://connect.microsoft.com/windowsembedded. Windows Embedded Standard 2011
delivers the latest Windows 7 technologies to OEMs, enabling them to bring
high-performing specialized devices to market faster, to differentiate those
devices through innovative user experiences, and to delight their customers
with devices that extend the Windows user experience to specialized devices
from Windows-based PCs, servers and online services.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

"To meet the demand for improved user experiences and connectivity among
today's rapidly growing categories of specialized devices, Microsoft has
strategically planned the release of Windows 7-based technologies to OEMs in
the embedded marketplace," said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows
Embedded Business at Microsoft. "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. We encourage the embedded community to take full advantage of
the CTP's availability and join in our excitement as we look ahead to the
future availability of Windows Embedded platforms incorporating Windows 7
technologies."

Windows 7 Features and Functionality Available in Windows Embedded Standard
2011
Windows Embedded Standard 2011 delivers the power, familiarity and reliability
of the Windows 7 operating system in a highly customizable and componentized
form, enabling OEMs in industrial automation, entertainment, consumer
electronics and other markets to focus on their core competencies and create
product differentiation. 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 unique requirements of their device. Familiar,
easy-to-use development tools and embedded-enabling features help to further
reduce development costs and increase speed to market for thin-client,
point-of-service (POS), kiosk, medical, multifunction printers and other
devices.

Windows Embedded Standard 2011 capabilities and features include these:

-- Enterprise Equipped with the ability for organizations to seamlessly
extend existing investments in technology management and
infrastructure
to devices by using Active Directory group policies and Microsoft
System
Center Configuration Manager, as well as increased interoperability
for
client server scenarios with Microsoft Terminal Services and Virtual
Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
-- Latest Windows technology innovations to enhance user experiences on
specialized devices through the security of Internet Explorer 8,
enhanced media capabilities of Windows Media Player 12, improved
client
server with Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 7.0 and Microsoft
.NET Framework 3.5
-- Rich, immersive user experiences with support for 64-bit CPUs, Windows
Aero user interface, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Touch
(multigesture touch interfaces and context-aware applications) and
Windows Flip 3D navigation

-- The ability to develop "green" solutions with smart power
management APIs for developers to build applications that can improve
CPU idle time and reduce power consumption

ESC Boston
During the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Boston (Sept. 21-24 at the Hynes
Convention Center), Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded
Business Unit at Microsoft, will deliver an industry keynote address on
Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 10:30 a.m. Dallas will detail how the Windows Embedded
software-plus-services platform enables developers and OEMs to provide the
unique value of Windows on specialized devices, as well as sharing a Windows
Embedded product road map update.

Microsoft will also be participating in TechInsights' "Build Your Own Embedded
System" seminars, enabling attendees to take home a custom-configured design
kit based on Windows Embedded Standard 2011. Conferencegoers can visit the
Microsoft booth (No. 400) or http://esc-boston.techinsightsevents.com for more
information.

Community Resources Available Pre- and Post-Launch
A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification, preparation
kit and training courseware will be available for Windows Embedded Standard
2011 during the timeframe of its release to manufacturing (RTM), approximately
the second half of 2010. Additional Windows Embedded training opportunities
can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/about/training.mspx.

Microsoft will also host a series of five free webinars exploring the enhanced
functionality, networking capabilities, improved security and reliability of
Windows Embedded Standard 2011. Participants can register at
https://swrt.worktankseattle.com/webcast/2672/preview.aspx. A full listing of
additional technical events and seminars can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/news/events/default.mspx.

Additional information on Windows Embedded Standard 2011 and the entire
Windows Embedded portfolio of platforms and technologies can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded.

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.

Jacob Grimm of Weber Shandwick, +1-212-445-8030, jgrimm@webershandwick.com,
for Microsoft Corp.