Microsoft brings rich user experiences to smart, connected, service-oriented enterprise devices with Windows Embedded Standard 2009

At the Tech•Ed North America 2008 Developers conference and through a global webcast event earlier last, Microsoft Corp. announced the immediate availability of the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 Community Technology Preview (CTP). In addition, the company stated the product will be available to customers in the fourth quarter of 2008. Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is designed for OEMs wanting to quickly build devices that seamlessly connect into the existing enterprise infrastructure. Featuring new technologies including Microsoft Silverlight, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 6.1, and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is designed to drive managed and secure thin clients, sophisticated point of service and kiosk devices requiring visually compelling user experiences, and smart networked multifunction printers that are easy to manage and connect with enterprise infrastructure. Windows Embedded Standard 2009 also includes componentized drivers for Intel Corporation’s latest x86 processor architectures, providing device makers with the flexibility to access the latest generation of hardware.

Driving Connected Experiences With New Technology Enhancements
Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is an important building block for smart, connected, service-oriented devices, delivering new features, updates and enhancements that focus on three main areas:

· Microsoft Silverlight. Support for Silverlight provides a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications (RIAs) for the Web that incorporate video, animation, interactivity and stunning user interfaces.
· .NET Framework 3.5, Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Media Player 11. Build sophisticated devices with visually compelling user experiences. Windows Embedded Standard 2009 delivers features enabling the next-generation media experiences, RIAs and stunning user interfaces — helping device makers bring innovative devices to market faster than ever, while offering unparalleled connected experiences.
· RDP 6.1 and Network Access Protection (NAP). Windows Embedded Standard 2009 provides the latest version of RDP and NAP, enabling devices to seamlessly connect to Windows Vista-based PCs and take advantage of new features in Windows Server 2008 including the latest security and management technology.

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