Today, Microsoft announced that 15 companies have committed to shipping next-generation devices based on the Windows XP Embedded (XPE) OS. Many of these organizations are relying on the benefits of XPE's security features for devices that will include kiosks, thin clients, industrial automation, set-top boxes, gaming gateways, residential gateways, and retail points of sale. Companies committed to the new technology are Olivetti Tecnost Spa, Wyse Technology, NCR, Compaq Computers, Siemens IA, National Semi Conductor, Bally Gaming and Systems, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Neoware Systems, QuesCom, Retalix Ltd., StellarOne, VenturCom, ViewSonic, and Wincor Nixdorf.
Neal Schwartz, vice president in NCR's financial solutions division, said, "As a leader in delivering self-service products to the financial services industry, NCR is using Windows XP Embedded to deliver new levels of security, performance, and connectivity for our ATM devices. In addition, as the ATM market shifts to more convenient locations outside traditional banking walls, physical size and cost really count. With Windows XP Embedded, we can meet the size and cost requirements and at the same time get the horsepower needed to drive the new transactions being done at ATMs. Windows XP Embedded helps us continue leading the ATM industry."
Also banking on the security of XPE, Vincenzo Rosselli, chief operating officer for Olivetti Tecnost Spa said, "Windows XP Embedded is the ideal architecture to leverage Explor@'s potential because it enables integration of different software solutions to meet every need, and at the same time it guarantees system security."
Microsoft launched XPE on today in Las Vegas, Nevada. XPE is a component version of XP. Microsoft based XPE on the XP Professional binaries. XPE's security features include system file protection, device driver rollback, preemptive multitasking, and Microsoft's Encrypting File System (EFS) with multi-user support.
"We are excited to see these industry leaders delivering solutions based on Windows XP Embedded that take advantage of the latest Windows technologies," said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the platforms division of Microsoft. "Their ability to deliver their next-generation products so quickly after the release of XP demonstrates how rapidly companies can get their devices to market on our Windows embedded platforms."
