Microsoft's Windows operating system will not take center stage in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, but this is not to say that it will not play an important role behind the stage, in the infrastructure of the event. One illustrative example in this context is Windows XP Embedded which will be intimately connected with the spotlights of the Olympic Games opening ceremony. This, because XP Embedded is the operating system running on the servers of High End Systems, acting as an integral part in the kickoff of the sporting event.

"Austin, TX-based entertainment lighting and control systems manufacturer High End Systems (a new member of the Belgium-based BARCO Group), is playing a starring role in the ceremonies. Festivities will feature 120 HES Axon media servers - the largest quantity ever used on any live event. All effects will be accomplished in real-time using the media servers and projectors with moving Orbital Heads, and controlled with three of HES' Wholehog 3 lighting consoles," revealed Weijuan Shi, program manager of the Embedded Windows Customer Strike Team.

Microsoft is currently cooking the successor of Windows XP Embedded, namely Windows Embedded Standard 2009, introduced at Tech-Ed North America 2008 in June. Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is available for download as a Community Technology Preview, and will be launched in the fourth quarter of this year. In this context, Windows Embedded Standard 2009 could be featured in the next edition of the Olympic Games, as it has already missed the Beijing event which debuts today.

"The servers being used in Beijing all feature: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processors; ASUS P5W DH Deluxe Motherboards; ATI HD2900XT Graphics Cards supplied by ASUS; Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB Hard Drives; Highly customized Microsoft Windows XP Embedded O/S utilizing DirectX, DirectShow, and .NET 2.0 Framework," Shi added.