Last week at the Embedded Systems Conference Microsoft unveiled a road map that outlines new names for the Windows Embedded Business products and announced plans for new solutions in key device categories. Our General Manager, Kevin Dallas, stated that the goal is “to present the evolving Windows Embedded product family in an intuitive fashion, making it easier for our customers to choose the right platforms and tools for their needs.”

So what does this actually mean? Well, you’ll be seeing new names for all products in the Windows Embedded Family. The new naming won’t take effect immediately; instead it will be phased in with new releases of each product line. And just to ease your mind, this name change does not affect the current products availability. All current Windows Embedded products will remain available for purchase in line with the standard Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy.

Windows Embedded CE  -> Windows Embedded Compact

Windows XP Embedded  -> Windows Embedded Standard

Windows for Embedded Systems  -> Windows Embedded Enterprise

A new connected device category was announced that will ship as preconfigured toolkits with additional category specific functionality and integration. These solutions will be offered under the Windows Embedded “Ready” moniker and will include the next generation of Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS) à Windows Embedded POSReady.

The first release with the new name structure will be Windows Embedded Standard, the next generation of Windows XP Embedded, and will launched simultaneously at Microsoft’s TechEd North American conference and through a Global Webcast on June 3^rd. You can register for the webcast here.

For full details of the announcement you can read the PressPass article.

- Shayna