Microsoft to Build the Next Version of Windows XP Embedded

As the next version of Windows XP Embedded is in the works, Microsoft is considering relying heavily on user feedback for shaping the final product. End users would actually get the chance to improve the upcoming release of Windows XP Embedded by providing input directly to Microsoft via the company's Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP). Currently, the Redmond company is tributary to more traditional methods of gathering customer feedback through phone calls, surveys and reviews, and alternative input mechanisms. Such a strategy stretched the resources of the Windows Embedded team pretty thin. CEIP would come to solve this problem as it will enable users to submit automated feedback on Windows XP Embedded.

"We are currently brainstorming if CEIP should be included in future versions of the Embedded Windows developer tools. We would be interested in collecting data to help us better understanding things such as: what are the most common components our customers are shipping? What are the common third-party drivers being included? How often are the various tool features (e.g., Help, Visibility Settings, etc.) being used? What kind of tool error/warning messages are users encountering the most?" revealed Randy Rockinson, a Program Manager in the Embedded Windows team.

Outside of CEIP there are certain limitations related to time factors and resources, restricting the volume of feedback that can be gathered and processed. But by including the Customer Experience Improvement Program in the company's developer tools, Microsoft hopes to automate the process of data collection. "This feedback is then used by Microsoft to help improve the quality, reliability, and performance of Microsoft software and services. It does so by collecting information from you - the customer - that help us identify the features you use most and identify the most common problems encountered," Rockinson said, adding that participation in the CEIP would be optional.