NUREMBERG, Germany, February 26 /PRNewswire/ --

.NET Micro Framework version 2.5 release delivers features enabling connected devices.

Today at Embedded World 2008, Microsoft Corp announced the availability of the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework version 2.5. This latest release provides developers and device-makers with support for Web Services on Devices and a native Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack, bringing powerful new options for network discovery and connectivity to smaller resource-constrained devices. Introduced a year ago at Embedded World 2007, the .NET Micro Framework now has over 40 companies leveraging the .NET Micro Framework porting kit licence to build custom hardware designs.

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"The .NET Micro Framework extends Microsoft's embedded offerings to an even smaller world of connected devices," said Colin Miller, product unit manager of the .NET Micro Framework at Microsoft. "With version 2.5, we've made significant updates to the platform in response to partner feedback. Our partners continue to validate the platform. The .NET Micro Framework is already being used in a variety of current hardware offerings in the home and industrial automation markets, the automotive industry, in PC peripherals, and in a wide variety of innovative consumer devices."

Driving Product Differentiation on Resource-Constrained Devices

The .NET Micro Framework opens the world of embedded development to desktop and enterprise .NET developers by combining the reliability and efficiency of managed code with the power of Microsoft Visual Studio. With the .NET Micro Framework, developers can use the powerful .NET languages, technologies and tools to develop smarter small devices faster and at lower cost. The .NET Micro Framework also offers opportunities for differentiation within a product line, with more sophisticated devices running Windows Embedded CE and simpler, lower-cost devices running the .NET Micro Framework.

.NET Micro Framework Version 2.5 Updates and Enhancements

Updates and enhancements to .NET Micro Framework version 2.5 focus on two main areas:

-- Web Services on Devices technology preview. Version 2.5 of the .NET Micro Framework includes a Web Services on Devices implementation compatible with the implementation built into Windows Vista and supported by the other Microsoft Windows Embedded platforms. With Web Services on Devices, devices can discover and communicate with Windows-based PCs or with other devices on the network with no user configuration. -- Native TCP/IP stack support. Version 2.5 of the .NET Micro Framework adds a native TCP/IP stack to the platform, making it easier than ever for original equipment manufacturers to build platforms with network connectivity.

Microsoft at Embedded World

The .NET Micro Framework will be showcased at Embedded World in Nuremberg, Germany, 26-28 Feb, 2008, in the Microsoft Windows Embedded booth, Hall 11.0, Stand 318. In addition, Microsoft executives will participate in the following .NET Micro Framework focused speaking sessions:

-- 26-28 Feb, 3pm: "Connecting Devices with .NET Micro Framework v2.5," Colin Miller, product unit manager -- 26 Feb, 10am: "Web Services for Devices and the .NET Micro Framework," Jim Mateer, senior program manager

About the .NET Micro Framework

The .NET Micro Framework is part of a Microsoft product incubation group and expands Microsoft's embedded offerings into a new market of smaller, more resourced-constrained devices based on low-cost 32-bit processors. By providing powerful, modern programming paradigms to this arena, the .NET Micro Framework is aimed at accelerating the innovation of small, connected devices. More information can be found at http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/netmf.

About Microsoft

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

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

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