In addition to the Windows 7 client and server operating system, Microsoft plans to take Windows Vista's successor on an array of devices where Windows XP feels right at home. At the end of October 2008, the Redmond company revealed that it would skip Vista entirely with its next iteration of Windows Embedded operating systems, and jump straight to Windows 7. In the context in which Windows Embedded Standard vNext will be based on Windows 7, Microsoft is already gearing up to detail the tools that will be available for codename “Quebec,” namely the componentized version of Windows 7. These utilities for Windows Embedded Standard vNext “Quebec” will be presented at TechEd North America 2009 between May 11-15, in Los Angeles.

“Microsoft is dedicated to providing the right tools for Embedded developers, with several technologies and tools addressing the very demanding needs of companies building devices. You can use these tools to design, customize, and build Embedded Operating Systems, and also to debug, test, and maintain them. Windows Embedded Standard ‘Quebec’ is a componentized version of Windows 7 with the addition of Embedded Enabling Features. It comes with different tools to design and deploy a customized operating system,” Olivier Bloch, Microsoft Embedded technical evangelist, revealed.

In October, Microsoft released to manufacturing Windows Embedded Standard 2009, a version that is still based on Windows XP, and the last to do so, as Windows 7's code base will replace that of Vista's precursor. At TechEd 2009, the software giant will deliver an in-depth perspective upon the world of Windows Embedded devices, but will also focus on Windows Embedded Compact. Just as Windows XP Embedded became Windows Embedded Standard 2009, Windows CE has been relabeled as Windows Embedded Compact.

“Windows Embedded Compact is a real time componentized OS targeting several CPU architectures. It comes with different tools to design, develop, debug, and test a customized operating system along with tools enabling developing, debugging, and testing applications for the customized OS,” Bloch added.