ORLANDO, Florida, June 4 /PRNewswire/ --

- The next generation of Windows XP Embedded, Windows Embedded Standard
2009, enables devices to easily connect to Windows Vista-based PCs and take
advantage of new features in Windows Server 2008.

Today at the Tech*Ed North America 2008 Developers conference and through
a global webcast event, Microsoft Corp announced the immediate availability
of the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 Community Technology Preview (CTP). In
addition, the company stated the product will be available to customers in
the fourth quarter of 2008. Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is designed for
OEMs wanting to quickly build devices that seamlessly connect into the
existing enterprise infrastructure. Featuring new technologies including
Microsoft Silverlight, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 6.1, and Microsoft .NET
Framework 3.5, Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is designed to drive managed
and secure thin clients, sophisticated point of service and kiosk devices
requiring visually compelling user experiences, and smart networked
multifunction printers that are easy to manage and connect with enterprise
infrastructure. Windows Embedded Standard 2009 also includes componentised
drivers for Intel Corporation's latest x86 processor architectures, providing
device makers with the flexibility to access the latest generation of
hardware.

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"Including Intel's drivers, like those for the new Intel(R) Atom(TM)
Processor, in Windows Embedded Standard saves developers time otherwise
required to validate and incorporate them into their designs," said Doug
Davis, vice president of the Digital Enterprise Group, and general manager of
Embedded and Communications Group at Intel. "This development approach can
save up to weeks in getting a product on the shelves."

"The market has validated the strategy and vision that we set forward 
less than a year ago," said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows 
Embedded Business Unit at Microsoft. "With new features in Windows Embedded 
Standard 2009 enabling OEMs to build embedded devices that combine seamlessly 
into existing enterprise infrastructure, including the latest Microsoft 
desktop and server technologies, we are delivering the core foundation for 
the next generation of smart, connected, service-oriented devices in the 
enterprise."

Driving Connected Experiences With New Technology Enhancements

Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is an important building block for smart, 
connected, service-oriented devices, delivering new features, updates and 
enhancements that focus on three main areas:

-- Microsoft Silverlight. Support for Silverlight provides a  
       cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next  
       generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications  
       (RIAs) for the web that incorporate video, animation, interactivity 
       and stunning user interfaces. 
    -- .NET Framework 3.5, Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Media Player 11.  
       Build sophisticated devices with visually compelling user experiences.  
       Windows Embedded Standard 2009 delivers features enabling the  
       next-generation media experiences, RIAs and stunning user interfaces  
       -- helping device makers bring innovative devices to market faster 
       than ever, while offering unparalleled connected experiences. 
    -- RDP 6.1 and Network Access Protection (NAP). Windows Embedded Standard  
       2009 provides the latest version of RDP and NAP, enabling devices to  
       seamlessly connect to Windows Vista-based PCs and take advantage of 
       new features in Windows Server 2008 including the latest security and  
       management technology.

Windows Embedded Standard 2009 Toolkit Replacement Programme

Any OEM that purchases a Windows XP Embedded Toolkit between June and
September 2008 will be eligible to request a Windows Embedded Standard
2009 replacement toolkit and will only be required to pay the cost of
shipping. Specific details on how to participate in this programme will be
communicated via http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded in late June.

Virtual Launch and CTP Download Details

Windows Embedded Standard 2009 CTP will be available for download in
English at http://connect.microsoft.com/windowsembedded.

Attend the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 Virtual Launch at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/standardlaunch/default.mspx.

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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