How to Buy Windows Embedded Standard
Windows Embedded Standard is the latest release to bring exciting new technologies to the general embedded developer community. It shows Microsoft’s continued innovation and commitment to the embedded space by bringing exciting new technologies to the market.
There are four basic steps involved in purchasing Windows Embedded Standard.
.png) | Determine if Windows Embedded Standard is the right product for youMicrosoft offers a variety of embedded products, so the first step in any purchase decision is to decide which product is the right technology for your development needs. The Windows Embedded OS Chooser can help you make that determination. |
.png) | Evaluate Windows Embedded StandardIf you have determined that Windows Embedded Standard is the OS you need, your next step in the purchasing process will be to evaluate the product. Visit the Windows Embedded Standard downloads page to obtain the free 4-month trial version. |
.png) | Purchase Windows Embedded Standard1. Through an Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor
The Distributor will assist you in purchasing the full packaged product (FPP) for Windows Embedded Standard. You will also receive a courtesy copy of the Additional Licensing Provisions, which define distribution rights and restrictions that are specific to each Microsoft embedded licensed product. The suggested retail price for Windows Embedded Standard FPP is $995 US. You can perform unlimited field testing and prototyping on any number of device prototypes before you ship commercially. For US and Canadian customers, purchasing the toolkits provides you with two complementary support incidents to use throughout your development process. Find an Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor near you. 2. Through an MSDN Subscription Microsoft Visual Studio 20008 Professional Edition with MSDN Edition is now available and offers Windows Embedded as part of the MSDN subscription service. MSDN Embedded builds on traditional MSDN benefits by providing developers of embedded devices with a single subscription for access to a variety of Microsoft operating systems, technical support and other resources. The subscription includes the Visual Studio suite of software development tools and the following Windows Embedded platforms: - Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2
- Windows Embedded Standard 2009
- Windows Embedded NavReady 2009
- Windows Embedded POSReady 2009
The new offerings expand the Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform with developer services that provide a cost-effective way to license Microsoft platforms and tools, receive technical support, obtain early access to the latest Microsoft updates available, and connect to a range of free learning resources for Developers. To learn more about MSDN subscription benefits: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/aa718661.aspx To compare MSDN subscriptions: ttp://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/subscriptionschart.aspx To order an MSDN subscription there are two options: |
.png) | Acquire runtime licenses for commercial shipmentOnce you complete testing and development and are ready to bring your embedded system to market, it’s time to acquire runtime licenses and certificates of authenticity from your Microsoft Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor for each unit that you ship. A runtime operating system license is required to sell devices containing the customized Windows Embedded NavReady image. The cost for each runtime license may vary, based on the volume of licenses that you purchase over a given period of time. |
Windows Embedded Standard Pricing At-a-Glance
| Windows Embedded Standard | ERP | What is included? |
Evaluation kits
(non-commercial use) | No charge | The runtimes and operating systems you build. Usage expires after 120 days. |
| Development tools | $995 US* | The tools that enable you use to build runtimes and operating systems. Tools do not expire. |
| Runtime license cost per unit | $90 US* | Runtimes licenses for each operating system that is shipped. Runtimes never expire. |
*All prices listed above are based on US dollars and are estimated retail prices, which may vary by distributor.
*Runtime pricing is based on purchase volume of one unit. Volume discounts are available. Local taxes, tariffs, and other costs may apply. Contact a Windows Embedded Authorized Distributor for details.
Aligned Business Model
Microsoft uses a royalty-based licensing model, which is dependent on a rapid and large-scale deployment of working devices. The alternative, a royalty-free tools and services model, is prohibitively expensive for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The total costs will depend on how many types of devices the OEM is working on (it may need new tools and service contracts) and on how long the OEM takes to bring a product to market.
Microsoft has aligned its business model with operators and OEMs. The faster the product is developed, the less the OEM spends on development; Microsoft, the OEM, and the operator can then collect revenues faster.
Furthermore, by decreasing the total cost of development of Windows Embedded–based devices, Microsoft has fostered an environment that entices OEMs to enter this market. (For a quantitative approach on this topic, see the white paper titled Total Cost of Development.)