Overview of Windows Embedded Enterprise
Windows Embedded Enterprise powers dedicated embedded devices that require Windows application compatibility and the flexibility to deploy a custom user interface. When footprint size is not an issue, developers use Windows for Embedded Enterprise for its visual and differentiated user interfaces, connectivity capabilities, and reliability in building secure applications. Successful applications using Windows Embedded Enterprise include kiosks, ATM systems, POS devices, complex industrial automation controllers and human machine interfaces, complex medical devices, and gaming machines.
The Windows Embedded Enterprise Family includes: Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems, Windows 7 Ultimate for Embedded Systems, Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems, Windows Vista Business for Embedded Systems and Windows Vista Ultimate for Embedded Systems
These products are fully functional versions of Microsoft’s desktop operating system intended for use in an embedded solution consisting of purpose-built hardware and application software. They have the same hardware operating requirements as their desktop equivalents, and therefore cannot be componentized like Windows Embedded CE and Windows Embedded Standard. Componentized products allow developers to use custom tools to remove components they do not need in order to reduce the software footprint of the OS. Since Windows Embedded Enterprise cannot be componentized, it is suitable for use when footprint size is not an issue and when devices require the full power of a Microsoft OS.
Windows 7 for Embedded Systems
Windows 7 for Embedded Systems is the next generation in a long line of operating systems. The product line offers two choices:
Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems
Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems operating system provides infrastructure improvements that enable you to spend less time on the day-to-day maintenance of embedded devices and more time adding value to applications. Build in a familiar environment while improving existing or creating new embedded devices.
Based on the new design introduced with Windows Vista, Windows 7 was designed to improve the deployment and management of the operating system, Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems provides manageability, reliability, and security features to ensure your embedded devices are always up-to-date, more secure, and running smoothly. New enhancements introduced with Windows 7 allow OEMs to build more flexible devices that allow for greater differentiation from other vendors devices.
Windows Touch - enables new exiting user experiences interactive with Windows 7 devices
Sensor and Location Platform - makes devices smarter and more energy efficient by responding to environmental conditions
Virtual Windows XP Mode - enables legacy application based on Windows XP technologies to continue to run on modern device hardware
Windows 7 Ultimate for Embedded Systems
Combining the advanced infrastructure of a business-focused operating system and the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system.
Windows 7 Ultimate for Embedded Systems provides new levels of protection against theft of important business data stored on the embedded device and access to Multilanguage support. It also helps reduce application migration and compatibility costs, making your Windows-based embedded device more versatile, as well as providing a safety net for operating-system migration.
Windows BitLocker and BitLocker to Go Drive Encryption - Prevents a thief from breaking Windows 7 file and system protections or performing offline viewing of the files stored on the protected drive
Multi-Lingual UI - Offers the ability to install multiple languages and switch between them as required with the availability of all worldwide language packs supporting embedded devices with multilingual requirements.
AppLocker - prevents any unauthorized application from execution on an AppLocker protected device.
Windows Vista for Embedded Systems
Windows Vista for Embedded Systems is the next generation in a long line of operating systems. The product line offers two choices:
Windows Vista Business for Embedded Systems
Windows Vista Business for Embedded Systems operating system provides infrastructure improvements that enable you to spend less time on the day-to-day maintenance of embedded devices and more time adding value to applications. Build in a familiar environment while improving existing or creating new embedded devices.
Designed from the ground up to improve the deployment and management of the operating system, Windows Vista Business for Embedded Systems provides manageability, reliability, and security features to ensure your embedded devices are always up-to-date, more secure, and running smoothly. Built-in protection against malicious software, impending hardware failures notification, and an array of sophisticated new backup technologies are all features of Windows Vista Business for Embedded Systems.
Windows Vista Ultimate for Embedded Systems
Combining the advanced infrastructure of a business-focused operating system and the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system.
Windows Vista Ultimate for Embedded Systems provides new levels of protection against theft of important business data stored on the embedded device and access to multilanguage support. It also helps reduce application migration and compatibility costs, making your Windows-based embedded device more versatile, as well as providing a safety net for operating-system migration.
- Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption -Prevents a thief from breaking Windows Vista file and system protections or performing offline viewing of the files stored on the protected drive.
- Multi-Lingual UI -Offers the ability to install multiple languages and switch between them as required with the availability of all worldwide language packs supporting embedded devices with multilingual requirements.
- Subsystem for UNIX-Based Applications (SUA) -Allows UNIX-based applications to run on a Windows Vista Ultimate for Embedded Systems-based embedded device.
Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems
Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems contains the Windows XP Professional OS and is intended for use in an embedded solution consisting of purpose-built hardware and application software. Windows XP Pro operating system technology includes preemptive multitasking, fault tolerance, and system memory protection, which all work to prevent and resolve problems and keep embedded systems running smoothly.
Microsoft Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems is available through Microsoft Authorized Windows Embedded Distributors through December 2016. Technical support will be available through April 2014. Direct Embedded OEMs will be able to purchase Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems through 2016 as well. OEMs can also migrate to Windows 7 for Embedded Systems and Windows Vista for Embedded systems, also available through Microsoft Authorized Windows Embedded Distributors. Find out more about Windows XP Pro End of Sales.