Wondering when to engage with a Windows Embedded Partner? It depends on your needs and where you are in the process of getting your device to market. Below are examples of how each partner contributes in the overall ecosystem and may best assist you in creating your Windows Embedded device.

Microsoft Embedded Authorised Distributors and System Integrators:

• Help you evaluate and choose which operating system is best for your device – Windows Embedded CE or Windows XP Embedded.
• Provide toolkit demonstrations and presentations on the Windows Embedded suite of tools.
• Answer pre-sales engineering questions for the design of a device.
• Advise on migration from MS-DOS, NT Workstation, Windows 98, and other Classic Windows operating systems to Windows XP Embedded and Windows Embedded CE.
• Conduct consulting services such as project planning, feasibility studies, design services and reviews, and developing Market/Product Requirement Documents.

Training Development Vendors:

• Offer comprehensive training for professionals who develop and deploy Windows Embedded solutions.
• Prepare your personnel to work well with Microsoft Windows Embedded development tools.

Silicon Vendors:

• Provide the processors, architecture and board support package solutions to best optimise and run the chosen operating system and silicon architecture in the embedded device.

Microsoft Embedded Authorised Distributors and System Integrators:

• Supplement your internal development team with hardware and software engineering services.
• Transfer valuable expertise to in-house engineering teams with Windows Embedded training.
• Speed development time with products such as Board Support Packages (BSPs).
• Provide device building, software component creating and deployment services.

Independent Hardware Vendors:

• Provide hardware solutions, components and drivers, such as graphics chips and flash memory, for optimal performance with Windows Embedded operating systems.

Independent Software Vendors:

• Provide embedded applications and system level software solutions.

Tools Vendors:

• Provide software that augments the Windows Embedded operating systems and development tools.

Original Design Manufacturers

• Build devices based on the latest Windows Embedded operating systems.
• Design and manufacture end products in diversified product form factors.

Microsoft Embedded Authorised Distributors:

• Help you obtain evaluation software and purchase development tools.
• Educate you on Microsoft’s licensing agreements, terms and conditions.
• Provide you a copy of the Customer Licence Agreement (CLA) that OEMs need to sign in order to ship a device.
• Help you determine pricing strategy for runtime licences for your devices.
• QA test your device to ensure the highest possible product quality and reduce the incidence of costly defects.
• Promptly deliver OEM Pre-Installation Kits (OPKs) and Certificate of Authenticity ("COA") stickers.

Microsoft Embedded Authorised Distributors and System Integrators:

• Help you understand what options are available from Microsoft to help promote your devices.
• Guide your participation in Microsoft co-marketing programs such as the Windows Powered Logo Program, Device Showcase, case studies, newsletters, public relations, and more.
• Provide consultation and guidance about updates to Windows Embedded operating system tools and technologies.

Find best-of-breed partners who have demonstrated excellence in delivering Windows Embedded solutions and are part of the comprehensive partner ecosystem that comprises the Windows Embedded Partner Program.

Windows Embedded Partners by category: