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Microsoft Releases Whistler Embedded Beta for Set-Tops, Terminals, and Kiosks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft has announced the release of the first beta of its Whistler Embedded operating system, designed for set-tops, Windows terminals, and point-of-sale kiosks. Whistler Embedded is a componentized operating system, allowing appliance and device makers to select features, similar to its predecessor NT Embedded 4.0. The beta release comes approximately two months after the release of the Whistler beta in October. Microsoft aims to ship Whistler Embedded within 90 days of shipping 64-bit Whistler, expected to debut in October 2001. This marks the third embedded operating system in the Windows family, following NT Embedded 4.0 and Windows CE 3.0.

Key Takeaways:

  • Whistler Embedded is a componentized operating system, allowing appliance and device makers to select features, similar to NT Embedded 4.0.
  • The beta release comes approximately two months after the release of the Whistler beta in October.
  • Microsoft aims to ship Whistler Embedded within 90 days of shipping 64-bit Whistler, expected to debut in October 2001.
  • Whistler Embedded is targeted at high-end client and server devices, such as PBX switches, routers, and medical equipment, that require the full Win32 API set.
  • NT Embedded 4.0/Whistler Embedded are x86-based, unlike Windows CE 3.0, which runs on various chip architectures, including x86, PowerPC, ARM, and MIPS.
  • Microsoft is providing a suite of four development tools to enable rapid deployment, including Target Designer, Component Designer, Database Manager, and Target Analyzer.
  • The development tools allow developers to customize the operating system, design custom components, and manage the database repository.

Statistics:

  • The beta release of Whistler Embedded is approximately two months after the release of the Whistler beta in October.
  • Microsoft aims to ship Whistler Embedded within 90 days of shipping 64-bit Whistler, expected to debut in October 2001.
  • The third embedded operating system in the Windows family is Whistler Embedded.
  • NT Embedded 4.0 and Windows CE 3.0 are the previous embedded operating systems in the Windows family.

Sources:

  • [1] Microsoft releases Whistler Embedded beta for set-tops, terminals, and kiosks.

Microsoft Official Website, October [no specific date mentioned].

  • [2] Microsoft Seeks Share in Embedded Market with Whistler, I

Triangle Business Journal, November 1, 2000, page C1.

  • [3] Windows Whistler Beta 2 Now Available.

Microsoft Official Website, October [no specific date mentioned].

  • [4] NT Embedded 4.0

Microsoft Official Website, August 1999.

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