Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Windows Embedded Enterprise?
- Why is Microsoft introducing Windows Embedded Enterprise as a new product?
- What kinds of companies will be deploying Windows Embedded Enterprise? What value will it provide your partners?
- What is the difference between Windows XP Pro and Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems?
- What are the benefits of Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems over Windows XP Pro (From SBC)?
- How does the Windows XP Pro end-of-sales impact OEMs using Windows XP Pro in their embedded solutions?
- What is the sales availability of Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems?
- If an OEM plans to buy Vista but install XP Pro under downgrade rights – is this possible?
- How long can OEMs use the downgrade rights? Is there an end date for this?
- How do I get more information on Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems?
- How is Windows Embedded Enterprise different from Windows Embedded Standard and Windows Embedded Compact?
- What is Windows Embedded Enterprise?
The Windows Embedded Enterprise product family includes:
- Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems
- Windows Vista Business for Embedded Systems
- Windows Vista Ultimate for Embedded Systems
These products are fully functional versions of Microsoft’s desktop operating system intended for use in an embedded solution consisting of purpose-built hardware and application software. For more information on Windows Embedded Enterprise and the other Windows Embedded products please visit www.microsoft.com/embedded. (top)
- Why is Microsoft introducing Windows Embedded Enterprise as a new product?
Microsoft’s standard operating systems (Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT and MS Dos) licensed specifically for use in embedded systems have been used for years. The Enterprise family was created as part of our naming update to showcase our entire portfolio of products helping OEMs to choose the best product for their application. (top)
- What kinds of companies will be deploying Windows Embedded Enterprise? What value will it provide your partners?
Windows Embedded Enterprise products are used in numerous applications including:
- ATM Machines
- Point-of-Service (POS) Machines
- Kiosks
- Industrial Automation Controllers
- Medical Systems
- Gaming Machines
Windows Embedded Enterprise products allow OEMs to minimize development time in order to quickly get products to market and take advantage of the features within Microsoft’s fully functional operating systems. It offers the industry standard user interface, excellent application integration, and easy interconnectivity with other Microsoft applications and servers. (top)
- What is the difference between Windows XP Pro and Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems?
Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems contains the same software bits and operates identically to Windows XP Pro. Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems has licensing restrictions which restrict its use to an embedded solution. Windows XP Pro is used for general purpose PC’s. Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems is used for embedded systems such as ATM’s, kiosks, medical devices and industrial controllers. (top)
- What are the benefits of Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems over Windows XP Pro (From SBC)?
Windows XP Pro for Embedded systems allows SLP (System lock pre-install) for devices. There is no splash screen, and has recovery CD rights. (top)
- How does the Windows XP Pro end-of-sales impact OEMs using Windows XP Pro in their embedded solutions?
Many OEMs take advantage of Microsoft’s powerful operating systems by using Windows XP Pro in their embedded devices. It allows OEMs to minimize development time while offering an industry standard user interface and easy interconnectivity with other Microsoft applications and services.
OEMs using Windows XP Pro in their embedded devices should be purchasing the Windows Embedded Enterprise version of Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems through a Microsoft Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor. This is the correctly licensed product for this application and will continue to be sold through December 2016. OEMs who currently purchase non-embedded versions of Windows XP licenses from MNA’s (Multinational Accounts) or retail will no longer be able to do so after June 30th, 2008. OEMs who currently purchase non-embedded Windows XP licenses through System Builders, will no longer be able to do so after January 31st, 2009.
OEMs can continue to use Windows XP Pro for their embedded solutions by purchasing Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems from a Microsoft Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor. OEMs can also migrate to Windows Vista Business for Embedded Systems and Windows Vista Ultimate for Embedded Systems which are also available through a Microsoft Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor. (top)
- What is the sales availability of Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems?
Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems is available for sale until December 2016. Product support continues through April 2014. Microsoft’s support lifecycle is outlined in detail at http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/. (top)
- If an OEM plans to buy Vista but install XP Pro under downgrade rights – is this possible?
Many OEMs believe that they can purchase Windows Vista from the MNA or System Builder Channel and use their “downgrade rights” to get a Windows XP Pro license. This is not the intent of downgrade rights and is not the correct license for embedded systems. The option to downgrade is an end user right, not an OEM right. OEMs producing general purpose PCs have a time-limited right to facilitate an end user’s right to install a previous version (downgrade) of Windows. (top)
- How long can OEMs use the downgrade rights? Is there an end date for this?
OEMs producing general purpose PCs have a limited-time right to facilitate an end user’s right to install a previous version (downgrade) of Windows. This Facilitation right expires July 31, 2009. Furthermore, the option to downgrade is an end-user right, not an OEM right. (top)
- How do I get more information on Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems?
Visit the Windows Embedded Website www.microsoft.com/embedded to learn more about the Windows Embedded Enterprise products. You can also contact a Microsoft Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor for more details. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/partners/find/distributors/search.mspx (top)
- How is Windows Embedded Enterprise different from Windows Embedded Standard and Windows Embedded Compact?
Windows Embedded Enterprise products are fully functional versions of XP Pro and Vista that cannot be componentized. Standard PC development tools are used to develop OEM applications. These operating systems have the same hardware operating requirements as their desktop equivalents.
Windows XP Embedded and Windows Embedded Standard are componentized version of Windows XP Pro. Developers use custom tools to remove components they do not need in order to reduce the software footprint of the operating system.
Windows Compact Edition (formerly Windows CE) is a small footprint operating system that is built up from a software core. The operating system is highly customizable. (top)
