14 DAY TRIAL // From one embedded systems conference to another, Microsoft has also managed to introduce an upgrade to the .NET Micro Framework. Unveiled at the Embedded World 2007 on February 13, 2007, the .NET Micro Framework got its first service pack at the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Boston on September 18. Microsoft has envisioned .NET Micro Framework as nothing more than a .NET solution for embedded devices. According to Colin Miller, product unit manager of the .NET Micro Framework at Microsoft, the company aimed to deliver the .NET environment platform to embedded development.
"Since the launch of .NET Micro Framework earlier this year, the interest we've received from the embedded community has been tremendous," Miller said. "The support we've received from partners is a testament to the value the platform provides, and fuels our commitment to expand Microsoft's embedded offerings into the territory of smaller, less expensive and more resource-constrained devices."
With Service Pack 1 for .NET Micro Framework 2.0, Microsoft placed emphasis on adding enhancements to the .NET platform in order to enable developers to build applications with a plus of security, appeal and innovation, but also with a global reach. Following the integration of SP1, the installation of unsigned firmware or application code will no longer be possible on a device. Additionally, Microsoft underlined the enhanced localization support. In this context, .NET Micro Framework 2.0 SP1 will permit the creation of bitmap application fonts helping with interface design.
"The new features of Service Pack 1 provide precision-engineered functionality and tools that streamline the manufacturing process and ease the burdens often associated with the deployment of updates to devices in the field. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original device manufacturers (ODMs) can use the new tools to create their own customized deployment software for their unique manufacturing environments," Microsoft revealed.