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How to Buy Windows Embedded

How to Buy
Determine which Windows Embedded product is right for you
Microsoft offers a variety of embedded products, so the first step in any purchase decision is to decide which product is the right technology for your development needs. The Windows Embedded OS Chooser Wizard and comparison table can help you make that determination.
Evaluate the product
If you have determined which Windows Embedded product you need, your next step in the purchasing process will be to evaluate the product. Download or order a trial version of the Windows Embedded product you want to evaluate. Or, if you prefer, contact a Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor to get a copy of the trial version and assistance with installation or questions you may have. With the trial software you can build devices that use Windows Embedded technologies for 4 months (6 months for Windows Embedded CE).
Purchase the product’s development tools
After your evaluation of the Windows Embedded product is complete and you are ready to begin development, you have two choices for purchasing the development tools:
  • Through an Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor
    The Distributor will assist you in purchasing the full packaged product (FPP). You will also receive a courtesy copy of the Additional Licensing Provisions, which define distribution rights and restrictions that are specific to each Microsoft embedded licensed product.

    The suggested retail price for Windows Embedded CE, Windows Embedded Standard, Windows Embedded POSReady and Windows Embedded NavReady FPP is $995 US. For windows Embedded Enterprise and Windows Embedded Server, contact your local Windows Embedded Distributor for details. You can perform unlimited field testing and prototyping on any number of device prototypes before you ship commercially. For U.S. and Canadian customers, purchasing the toolkits provides you with two complimentary support incidents to use throughout your development process.

  • Through a MSDN Subscription
    Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition with MSDN Embedded subscription provides a cost-effective way to license Microsoft platforms and tools, receive technical support, and obtain early access to the latest Microsoft updates available. It builds on traditional MSDN benefits by providing developers of embedded devices with a single subscription for access to 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.
Obtain a subscription or find out more information about MSDN subscriptions.
Acquire runtime licenses for commercial shipment
Once you complete testing and development and are ready to bring your embedded system to market, it’s time to acquire runtime licenses and certificates of authenticity from your Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributors for each unit that you ship. The cost for each runtime license may vary, based on the volume of licenses that you purchase over a given period of time. You will find pricing information on each product’s Overview page:

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