Microsoft previews new embedded standard

Earlier this week, Microsoft announced the immediate availability of the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 community technology preview (CTP) designed for OEMs developing devices that connect to existing Enterprise infrastructure. The product will replace the current Windows XP Embedded and features new technologies such as Microsoft Silverlight, Remote Desktop Protocol 6.1, and .NET Framework 3.5. Windows Embedded Standard also includes componentized drivers for the latest x86 processor architectures, such as Intel’s Atom. The software architecture continues to be based on Windows XP since a componentized version of Vista has yet to appear. The free, fully functional CTP beta of Windows Embedded Standard is available now as a 4.25 GB downloadable DVD image on the Microsoft Connect website. Microsoft expects the production version of the product to be released to manufacturing in Q4 of 2008. You can also register and view the Windows Embedded Standard virtual launch here.