Program Enables Free Distribution of Windows Embedded Evaluation Kits And OS Runtime Images on Hardware Platforms
Today at Embedded Processor Forum 2003, Microsoft Corp. announced a Windows® Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program that enables Windows Embedded Partners for the first time to distribute a Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkit as well as an operating system (OS) runtime image for either Windows CE .NET or Windows XP Embedded on up to 1,000 of their hardware platforms free of charge. The Microsoft® Windows Embedded Evaluation Toolkits include the complete operating system components, which helps developers evaluate and build devices quickly and economically. The Windows CE .NET or Windows XP Embedded runtime image can be preloaded on the hardware platform to provide a complete solution right out of the box, allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and application developers to have device images available immediately (also called device-bring-up) and begin their evaluation processes more quickly.
"The Windows Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program is a free program that enables board vendors to provide an all-in-one hardware and software package, " said Scott Horn, director of the Embedded Device Group at Microsoft. "This new program pulls together the essential elements to shorten evaluation cycles, enhance the value of hardware platforms and reduce costs overall."