One of the latest solutions that came from Redmond-based Microsoft includes Windows 7 technologies for OEMs of specialized devices, which the software giant made available through the RTM of new Windows Embedded Enterprise and Windows Embedded Server platforms. The company announced the release at the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Boston, and stated that the technologies were meant to enable OEMs to deliver to the market devices that feature seamless connectivity with Windows-based PCs, servers and online services. At the same time, Microsoft also announced that Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 was released to OEMs, and that it featured Silverlight integration.

“The release of Windows 7 technologies to the embedded community underscores Microsoft’s strategic commitment to enable device manufacturers to extend the power of the PC and address the budding market for specialized devices,” said Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president of the Original Equipment Manufacturer Division at Microsoft. “Providing Windows 7 technologies for OEMs to utilize in their next-generation devices will allow them to offer end users of enterprise and consumer devices enhanced capabilities through improved user experiences and connectivity to the established Windows ecosystem.”

Microsoft's Windows Embedded Enterprise portfolio now includes Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems and Windows 7 Ultimate for Embedded Systems, and has been released so as to enable OEMs to enjoy full Windows application compatibility. The two fully functional iterations of the Windows 7 desktop platform feature full Windows application compatibility and are intended for use in embedded devices, such as ATMs, industrial PCs or medical devices. They come with support for multi-touch operation with Windows Touch, enterprise connectivity through Microsoft DirectAccess and BranchCache, as well as with legacy support through Windows XP Mode.

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Embedded Systems, based on the Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems platform, also includes a series of new features so that OEMs can deliver products that sport increased flexibility and reliability for unified messaging, telecommunications, security and other markets. It comes with new virtualization tools, management enhancements and Server Core, all of which should drive reduced time-to-market and cost savings for OEMs. The Server Core installation option is aimed to increase the reliability of the solution, Microsoft Hyper-V and Windows PowerShell 2.0 should improve the management, while Agile VPN is meant to enable better connection to other devices.

In addition to the new Windows 7 technologies that became available for OEMs, Microsoft also announced that Windows Embedded Standard 2011 was expected to RTM in the first half of the next calendar year. “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,” the software giant says. OEMs and developers can also access the Windows 7-based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 community technology preview on Microsoft's website here.