Microsoft Tuesday said that a community technology preview (CTP) of the next embedded version of Windows is now available for download.
Based on Windows 7, the CTP of Windows Embedded Standard 2011 is available to OEMs as well as developers of devices that use Windows Embedded, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) said. The product was previously codenamed Quebec.
“We encourage the embedded community to take full advantage of the CTP’s availability and join in our excitement as we look ahead to the future availability of Windows Embedded platforms incorporating Windows 7 technologies,” Kevin Dallas, general manager of Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Business, said in a statement.
Windows Embedded has been a mainstay of Microsoft’s ventures into the world of embedded device operating systems for several years, including versions based on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows CE.
But this will be the first time it has based Windows Embedded Standard on Windows 7.
Microsoft’s embedded operating systems are modularized so that developers only install the portions of Windows that are necessary for the particular product.
Because it’s based on Windows 7, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager can be used with Windows Embedded Standard 2011. The new version also supports Internet Explorer 8 and Windows Media Player 12, as well as Remote Desktop Protocol 7 and .NET Framework 3.5.
Additionally, it also provides increased interoperability for client-server scenarios with Microsoft Terminal Services and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, the company said.
The consumer version of Windows 7 is set for release on Oct. 22.
Windows Embedded Standard 2011 is currently slated to be released to manufacturing in the second half of 2010. Device makers and developers can download the CTP via Microsoft’s Connect site.
