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Microsoft debuts embedded operating system

February 21, 2002

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LAS VEGAS - Backed by commitments from 15 partner companies, Microsoft Corp. on Nov. 28 unveiled its new Windows XP Embedded operating system at the Windows Embedded Developers Conference in Las Vegas. The system, a sister package to its new operating system, is designed for use in self-service kiosks, ATMs, and point-of-sale devices.

Developed alongside the company's new Windows XP Professional operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Embedded features about 10,000 components. Developers can design their own configurations using those components, or utilize Microsoft's pre-built configurations.

NCR Corp., Wincor Nixdorf GmbH & Co. KG, and Retailix Ltd. are among the companies committing to Windows XP Embedded.

NCR plans to use the system in its latest line of ATM machines. Wincor Nixdorf, during the Las Vegas conference, demonstrated Windows XP Embedded as the operating system for its BEETLE point-of-sale system. Retailix Ltd., based in Israel, plans to use the system throughout its product line, including its self-service, Internet, and kiosk solutions.

Windows XP Embedded debuted a month after Microsoft unveiled its new operating system. The company had promised to deliver the new embedded system within 90 days of releasing its operating system. Microsoft officials said the system debuted earlier because their partners were quickly able to integrate the system into their programs.

"Their ability to deliver their next-generation products so quickly after the release of the operating system demonstrates how rapidly companies can get their devices to market on our Windows embedded platforms," Jim Allchin, Microsoft group vice president, platforms division, said in a news release.

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