REDMOND, Wash. - Oct. 3, 2004 - Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of a free technology preview for Windows® XP Embedded with Service Pack 2 (SP2) for download and testing. Windows XP Embedded delivers the power of Windows in componentized form to enable device-makers to rapidly build reliable and advanced small-footprint devices such as point-of-service (POS) kiosks, medical systems and thin clients. Enhancements coming in Service Pack 2 include stronger default security settings, advanced remote device management, and additional networking and multimedia features that enable further device innovation. Microsoft also announced today Windows Embedded for Point of Service, a new standardized software platform for POS terminals, which will be based on Windows XP Embedded with SP2.
"Wyse sees this release as a promising advancement, and we are committed to ship our Wyse Winterm 9 Series product line, based on Windows XP Embedded with SP2," said Mike DeNeffe, senior director of the Winterm Business Line at Wyse Technology Inc. "Our customers will find the additional functionality and security updates extremely compelling. The features available in SP2, such as improved Internet Explorer security and default Windows Firewall, will provide IT managers with more options to deploy thin clients in the way that best suits their complicated enterprise environments."
"The enhancements in Windows XP Embedded with SP2 will give embedded developers, original equipment manufacturers, system integrators and independent software vendors access to the full range of technologies, features and applications available on the desktop," said Scott Horn, senior director of the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft. "We've listened closely to our customers and partners and are responding with even more options for managing their devices and new features that enable further innovation."
The updates and enhancements in Windows XP Embedded with SP2 focus on three main areas:
- Security and network enhancements. As a result of significant customer testing and extensive threat modeling, Windows XP Embedded with SP2 will include Windows Firewall activated by default. The redesigned firewall will help safeguard devices by giving users and administrators more control over inbound connections. The service pack will also enable devices to communicate via a wide variety of communications technologies, such as Remote Desktop Protocol v5.2. In addition, Microsoft has worked closely with security software vendors Computer Associates International Inc. (CA) and Sygate Inc. to provide anti-virus and intrusion prevention security solutions.
- Greater manageability and control. Software Update Services (SUS) support will increase customers' ability to integrate their devices across networks, resulting in lower maintenance costs and simplified configuration. SUS will enable automatic scanning and deployment of Microsoft-issued security updates on Windows XP Embedded-based devices. Microsoft® Systems Management Server enables companies to remotely update applications from a centralized location, thus reducing the complexity of updating remote devices.
- New features for further innovation. The service pack will enable developers to create applications and services for devices that can take advantage of advanced multimedia capabilities such as DirectX® 9. The service pack will include Bluetooth® networking support and a new quick-boot feature that will reduce device startup and shutdown times.
"Windows XP Embedded with SP2 provides our customers with additional management, control and security capabilities," said Steve Woodard, senior vice president of Global Operations at VenturCom Inc. "VenturCom's RTX and Ready-On solutions are compatible with Windows XP Embedded with SP2, and the combination will help our mutual customers better manage and protect their devices from security threats and vulnerabilities."
Windows XP Embedded With SP2 Continues Legacy of Innovation and Unparalleled Technical Support Extending the development work of Windows XP Professional with SP2, Windows XP Embedded with SP2 contains more than 10,000 individual feature components so device-makers can achieve optimum software functionality to meet the custom hardware requirements of embedded devices. Microsoft leads the embedded industry by offering a minimum of 10 years of mainstream and extended support for Windows XP Embedded under the terms of the license.
Availability
Windows XP Embedded with SP2 Technology Preview is available for download via the Windows Embedded Web site.
Delivering on Microsoft's commitment to make new Windows XP Embedded technologies available within 90 days of the client release, Windows XP Embedded SP2 will ship in the second half of 2004.
Windows Embedded for Point of Service Based on SP2
Microsoft also announced today it will ship Windows Embedded for Point of Service, a standard software platform that will enable retail and hospitality organizations to simplify the setup, use and management of their POS systems. Windows Embedded for Point of Service is optimized to enhance the customer experience at the point of service, increase reliability and security, and deliver low life-cycle costs for POS systems.
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