Is Microsoft Pleasing Embedded Developers?

There is also a developer update service which links a client on the developer’s machine to content such as product updates in a cloud service. Customers receive automatic notifications when new content is available through the service and get early access to new technologies before they are available to the public.

Visual Studio Professional 2008 with MSDN Embedded is due in July 2009; the Windows Embedded Developer Update service is due in the first half of 2010.

Despite the recession, Dallas sees growth in devices, including netbooks: “We’re seeing growth and we’re looking to continue to grow with our partners.”

Embedded OEMs get a better deal now because Microsoft has added in Windows Embedded Server, alongside the client operating systems. “This will establish new revenue channels for embedded OEMs and partners by utilising Windows Embedded Server and the complete Microsoft portfolio of embedded platforms and technologies in scenarios such as device maintenance and support,” said Dallas.

Indeed, today, OEMs can use Microsoft’s System Centre Configuration Manager for remote servicing and maintenance and Microsoft System Centre Configuration Manager for monitoring to deliver preventive maintenance.

Moreover, these announcements could pave the way for more end user services like Windows Live and Live Search on OEM devices, Dallas hinted. He didn’t have any specific announcements, but said: “We’re taking some very aggressive steps in moving to a software-plus-services platform for embedded systems.”