SAN JOSE, California, April 15 /PRNewswire/ --

- New programme features developer tools, embedded operating systems, and 
board packages for hobbyist developers and academic community.

At the Embedded Systems Conference today, Microsoft Corp rolled out the
full details about its SPARK Your Imagination community-focused programme, a
joint agreement between Microsoft and select hardware vendors to bring a
complete offering of hardware and software to nonprofessional developers
through a simple and affordable engagement model. The programme offerings
have an estimated retail value of US$1,300 and will be available immediately
worldwide at prices ranging from US$250 to US$350.

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Previously code-named the "SPARK" initiative when it was first announced
in November 2007, SPARK Your Imagination 
(http://www.windowsembedded.com/spark) brings the benefits of embedded
development on Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 and Visual Studio 2005 Professional
Edition to hobbyist developers and the academic community. Currently, under
its MSDN Academic Alliance (MSDN AA) Program, Microsoft provides software for
students and faculty in the embedded technology and design fields. Through
the SPARK Your Imagination community programme, the company is adding
complementary offerings and extending them to the greater nonprofessional
developer community to continue its dedication to the industry and future
talent pool.

"Devices running embedded operating systems have seen explosive growth in
the past few years, and the announcement today demonstrates our commitment to
the future of the embedded community," said Kevin Dallas, general manager of
Windows Embedded Business at Microsoft. "Our continued investment supports
future innovation and new idea generation that will ultimately contribute to
our vision of smart, connected, service-oriented devices."

SPARK Your Imagination Offer Availability

The initial list of hardware vendors participating in the programme
includes AdvanTech Co Ltd, ICOP Digital Inc, Keith & Koep GmbH, VIA
Technologies Inc and Special Computing. SPARK Your Imagination offers will be
available for purchase for programme participants directly from this select
list of hardware vendors. Programme participants will receive the following:

-- Complete versions. A full version of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 and
       Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition will be offered with select
       boards from participating hardware vendors and made available to
       academics and hobbyists at price points optimised for nonprofessional
       users. The offering is for noncommercial use.

    -- BSP certification. As part of the SPARK Your Imagination programme,
       Microsoft will begin offering Board Support Package (BSP)
       certification at no charge, which will now apply to both commercial
       and noncommercial use.



BSP Certification Becomes Free

As part of this announcement, Microsoft now offers Board Support Package
(BSP) certification free to the entire Windows Embedded community, for both
commercial and noncommercial use. Up to two test passes per BSP will be
processed at no cost, should one need a retest; a fee of US$500 will apply.
Previously BSP certification cost US$1,500. BSP certification guarantees
compatibility with the designated Windows Embedded CE operating system
requirements by Microsoft, thereby allowing OEMs to spend more time
developing differentiating features for their devices and products.

Availability

Interested hobbyists and enthusiasts may visit
http://www.windowsembedded.com/spark for information about programme
participation.

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.

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