Microsoft is not only hard at work laboring to produce the first Release Candidate of Windows 7, but it is also looking beyond the next iterations of the Windows client and server operating systems. The next version of Windows Embedded Server would be based on the Windows 7 platform, the Redmond company informed. In all fairness, Windows Embedded Server was a variant of Windows Server 2008 R2, Microsoft revealed, claiming that the new offering was positioned to take the Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform to the next level. The Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Silicon Valley 2009 was the stage where Microsoft demonstrated the next stage of its Windows Embedded S+S platform on March 30, 2009.

“The evolution of the Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform with the addition of Windows Embedded Server reflects the realization of Microsoft’s continued commitment to drive innovation and leadership in the embedded market by fostering the next generation of smart, connected, service-oriented devices and device services,” revealed Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded business unit at Microsoft.

According to the software giant, Windows Embedded Server is based on the Windows Server core and will permit original equipment manufacturers to develop dedicated server appliances with a focus on robust networking and large volumes of storage, while keeping a low footprint. In Microsoft's vision, the Windows Embedded Server OEM appliances will feature capabilities serving to streamline the setup and remote management associated with embedded devices.

“The combination of software plus services from Windows Embedded will establish new revenue channels for embedded OEMs and partners by utilizing Windows Embedded Server and the complete Microsoft portfolio of embedded platforms and technologies in scenarios such as device maintenance and support services,” Dallas added.

Windows Embedded Server is roughly the equivalent of Windows Embedded Standard 2009, which is based on the Windows 7 client. And because it has Windows Server 2008 R2 (Windows 7 Server) at its basis, Windows Embedded Server is capable of delivering not only a reduced footprint, but also a solid foundation, evolved security, and even virtualization capabilities. Microsoft estimates that Windows Embedded Server will be made available in the first half of 2010.