SAN JOSE, California, March 30 /PRNewswire/ --

- Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform with developer services provides simplified access to the latest tools, resources and help available from Microsoft and its global partner ecosystem.

Tuesday, during an industry address at the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Silicon Valley 2009, Microsoft Corp. will announce the Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition with MSDN Embedded subscription and Windows Embedded Developer Update service. The new offerings expand the Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform with developer services that provide a cost-effective way to license Microsoft platforms and tools, receive technical support, and obtain early access to the latest Microsoft updates available. MSDN Embedded and Windows Embedded Developer Update provide the global MSDN community with consolidated subscription access to Microsoft's extensive portfolio of embedded platforms and technologies that aid in building next-generation devices with advanced applications and rich user experiences.

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The first step in executing on the comprehensive Windows Embedded services vision is continuing our investment in developers, helping them to create smart, connected, service-oriented devices, said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded business unit at Microsoft. The main objective of the Windows Embedded developer services initiative is to strengthen our commitment to ensuring that developers have seamless access to the ever-expanding set of products, documentation, support technology and third-party updates, which is why we are increasing our investment in the Windows Embedded MSDN community.

Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition With MSDN Embedded

Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition with MSDN Embedded builds on traditional MSDN benefits by providing developers of embedded devices with a single subscription for access to a variety of Microsoft operating systems, technical support and other resources. The subscription includes the Visual Studio suite of software development tools and the following Windows Embedded platforms and technologies:

- Windows Embedded CE, a 32-bit native, componentized, hard real-time operating system designed for small-footprint devices - Windows Embedded Standard, the next generation of Windows XP Embedded for advanced enterprise devices - Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, which provides innovative technologies to help build devices optimized for portable navigation - Windows Embedded POSReady 2009, a flexible operating system designed to seamlessly connect point-of-service (POS) solutions with peripherals, servers and services

MSDN Premium subscribers will also have access to the resources in MSDN Embedded, enhancing their existing MSDN investments.

Windows Embedded Developer Update

Windows Embedded Developer Update, available exclusively to MSDN Embedded and MSDN Premium subscribers, delivers a connected experience for developers by seamlessly delivering the latest technology innovations from Microsoft and other third parties directly into the Windows Embedded development environment. The service integrates a client on the developer's machine to a cloud service hosting the content, such as product updates, platform technologies and other resources from Microsoft, as well as drivers, Board Support Packages (BSPs) and other technologies from Microsoft's global partner ecosystem. Customers will receive automatic notifications when new content is available through the service and also will have access to new technologies and product enhancements before they are available to the public.

Visual Studio Professional 2008 with MSDN Embedded is scheduled to be available in July 2009; the Windows Embedded Developer Update service is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2010. Developers can obtain a subscription or find out more information on the Windows Embedded resources available through MSDN by visiting http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded. A comparison of MSDN Subscription options is available at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/subscriptionschart.aspx.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Michelle Gryder of Weber Shandwick, +1-212-445-8181, mgryder@webershandwick.com, for Microsoft Corp. / NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx . / PHOTO http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO