Microsoft releases preview of Windows Embedded Standard 2011

Microsoft has released the Windows 7-based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 Community Technology Preview (CTP) to original equipment manufacturers. The CTP of the embedded operating system was also made available to developers of specialised devices worldwide.

According to Microsoft, Windows Embedded Standard 2011 delivers Windows 7 technologies to OEMs, accelerating time-to-market for specialised devices. The new operating system delivers the features of the Windows 7 operating system in a customisable and componentised form. OEMs do not have to invest in platform development as they can choose only the components needed to tailor the platform to meet the unique requirements of their device.

Microsoft says Windows Embedded Standard 2011 is enterprise equipped, so organisations can seamlessly extend existing investments in technology management and infrastructure to devices by using Active Directory group policies and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager.

The operating system supports 64-bit processors, the Windows Aero user interface, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Touch and Windows Flip 3D navigation. Developers can also use Windows Embedded Standard 2011’s smart power management APIs to develop green solutions.