Advantech, the embedded ePlatform service provider, has announced their support for the new release of Windows 7 for Embedded systems. There are several powerful new functions added into this release, including Windows Touch and Windows XP Mode. Windows 7 gives more muscle to embedded devices with advanced technologies that deliver better user experiences—all on a solid new platform to bring more advanced devices to market.

Windows 7

Windows XP Mode (Intel VT or AMD-V required): Provides an environment in which legacy applications for Windows XP can still run on Windows 7-based devices.

Windows Touch: Allows for touch screen control and providesvisual feedback for touches and multi-touch gestures.

Microsoft’s Security Development Lifecycle (SDL): Significantly reduces the number and severity of security-related design and coding defects.

BitLockerTM and BitLocker To GoTM (Ultimate version only): Provides advanced encryption that protects device data and now supports USB removable devices.

AppLocker (Ultimate version only): A flexible and easily administered mechanism that enables OEMs to control and audit what software runs on a device.

VHD Boot (Ultimate version only): Windows 7 allows multiple OS boot images to be stored on a single Virtual Hard Drive (VHD). This flexibility allows users to create multiple VHDs with OS installed onto it without losing performance.

The Embedded Market demands up to 10 years longevity support but most of the hardware chipsets only provide 5 ~ 7 years support, this means the customer has to upgrade the old platform to a new platform. But with Windows XP Mode, customers can use legacy applications that minimize platform migrations.

Currently, Microsoft’s existing embedded OS begins to fall short of fulfilling requirements for multi-touch features in the digital signage, multimedia kiosk, and gaming markets. Because the multitude of drivers that are not configured uniformly, developers are forced to spend more time and resources developing their own usable drivers. Windows 7 Touch provides easier solutions for touch integration.

Example Devices:

 POS Terminals

 Kiosks

 Transactional Kiosk – Airline Check In

 Informational Kiosk – State Park Map Guide

 ATM Machines

 Digital Signage

 Industrial PCs – HMI, SCADA and MES

 Medical Diagnostic Devices – X-Ray or Cat Scan Machine

Runtime SKUs

In Windows 7 for Embedded Systems, there are two SKUs—Professional and Ultimate.

Windows Embedded Standard 2011

“Quebec”, the next release of Windows Embedded Standard, which enables embedded OEMs to leverage Windows 7 technologies to build smart, connected and service-oriented device solutions.