14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft announced the Windows Embedded road map earlier this week, but while talking about the future, the company also stressed that customers should not wait for next-generation platforms, but should rather start building their intelligent systems today.
On stage at the Windows Embedded Executive Business Summit 2011, Windows Embedded General Manager Kevin Dallas revealed some details about Windows Embedded Enterprise v.Next, Windows Embedded Standard v.Next and Windows Embedded Compact v.Next.
Both Windows Embedded Enterprise v.Next and Windows Embedded Standard v.Next will bring to the table technologies featured in Windows 8.
Microsoft is not offering any specific information on the componentized flavors of Windows 8, for example, the software giant did not confirm or deny that embedded operating systems will feature the Metro platform and play nice with Metro apps.
Windows Embedded Enterprise v.Next will become available to customers a quarter after Windows 8 hits commercial availability. Three quarters after Windows 8 general availability, Windows Embedded Standard v.Next will launch, with a Community Technology Preview (CTP) planned for the first quarter of 2012.
In the second half of 2012, Microsoft will also deliver Windows Embedded Compact v.Next, a release which builds on the current Windows Embedded Compact 7 investment, and is an evolution of the Windows Embedded CE platform.
According to statistics from IDC, the market for intelligent systems will explode to over 2.3 billion units by 2015, and represent an industry worth in excess of $520 billion.
“With today’s pervasive network connectivity, the emergence of cloud services and low-cost yet high-powered microchips, traditional embedded devices can now connect and participate as part of a broader IT infrastructure and exchange real-time data all the way to the customer’s fingertips,” Dallas revealed.
“Intelligent systems offer endless possibilities for organizations to collect and act on information in real time, from understanding customer buying habits to tracking product shipments around the globe.”
In this context, Microsoft can have only one answer to the question of whether customers should wait for Windows 8 or not.
“Intelligent systems are here today,” Dallas explains. “They exist all around us. And now you can build amazing intelligent systems today on the Windows Embedded platforms, knowing you’ll have a direct path to upgrade and enhance those systems as Windows 8 rolls out.”