NUREMBERG, Germany, February 26 /PRNewswire/ --

.NET Micro Framework version 2.5 release delivers features enabling 
connected devices.

Today at Embedded World 2008, Microsoft Corp announced the availability
of the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework version 2.5. This latest release
provides developers and device-makers with support for Web Services on 
Devices and a native Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) 
stack, bringing powerful new options for network discovery and connectivity 
to smaller resource-constrained devices. Introduced a year ago at Embedded 
World 2007, the .NET Micro Framework now has over 40 companies leveraging 
the .NET Micro Framework porting kit licence to build custom hardware 
designs.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

"The .NET Micro Framework extends Microsoft's embedded offerings to an
even smaller world of connected devices," said Colin Miller, product unit
manager of the .NET Micro Framework at Microsoft. "With version 2.5, we've
made significant updates to the platform in response to partner feedback. Our
partners continue to validate the platform. The .NET Micro Framework is
already being used in a variety of current hardware offerings in the home and
industrial automation markets, the automotive industry, in PC peripherals,
and in a wide variety of innovative consumer devices."

Driving Product Differentiation on Resource-Constrained Devices

The .NET Micro Framework opens the world of embedded development to
desktop and enterprise .NET developers by combining the reliability and
efficiency of managed code with the power of Microsoft Visual Studio. With
the .NET Micro Framework, developers can use the powerful .NET languages,
technologies and tools to develop smarter small devices faster and at lower
cost. The .NET Micro Framework also offers opportunities for differentiation
within a product line, with more sophisticated devices running Windows
Embedded CE and simpler, lower-cost devices running the .NET Micro Framework.

.NET Micro Framework Version 2.5 Updates and Enhancements

Updates and enhancements to .NET Micro Framework version 2.5 focus on two
main areas:

-- Web Services on Devices technology preview. Version 2.5 of the .NET
       Micro Framework includes a Web Services on Devices implementation
       compatible with the implementation built into Windows Vista and
       supported by the other Microsoft Windows Embedded platforms. With Web
       Services on Devices, devices can discover and communicate with
       Windows-based PCs or with other devices on the network with no user
       configuration.
    -- Native TCP/IP stack support. Version 2.5 of the .NET Micro Framework
       adds a native TCP/IP stack to the platform, making it easier than ever
       for original equipment manufacturers to build platforms with network
       connectivity.



Microsoft at Embedded World

The .NET Micro Framework will be showcased at Embedded World in
Nuremberg, Germany, 26-28 Feb, 2008, in the Microsoft Windows Embedded booth,
Hall 11.0, Stand 318. In addition, Microsoft executives will participate in
the following .NET Micro Framework focused speaking sessions:

-- 26-28 Feb, 3pm: "Connecting Devices with .NET Micro Framework v2.5,"
       Colin Miller, product unit manager
    -- 26 Feb, 10am: "Web Services for Devices and the .NET Micro Framework,"
       Jim Mateer, senior program manager



About the .NET Micro Framework

The .NET Micro Framework is part of a Microsoft product incubation group
and expands Microsoft's embedded offerings into a new market of smaller, more
resourced-constrained devices based on low-cost 32-bit processors. By
providing powerful, modern programming paradigms to this arena, the .NET
Micro Framework is aimed at accelerating the innovation of small, connected
devices. More information can be found at
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/netmf.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise
their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft
employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products
and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp
disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material
for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any
special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of
contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the
use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting any kind of warranty.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com