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Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5

Enterprise handheld devices increase business productivity and improve responsiveness by empowering the mobile workforce to act on business critical data at the point of impact. These mobile devices connect to back-end systems, run critical line-of-business applications, and support the device management and security requirements of the enterprise. To meet the mobile computing needs of the enterprise, Microsoft introduced Windows Embedded Handheld, a new solutions specifically for Enterprise Handheld Devices.

The first release, Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, is the platform solution that delivers application compatibility with Windows Mobile 6.5, device management and security capabilities, and integration with existing back-end systems needed for the enterprise.

Kevin Dallas on Microsoft's Enterprise
Handheld Device Vision

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Kevin Dallas, General Manager of Windows Embedded, discusses Microsoft’s commitment to the enterprise handheld space and our future plans for this device category.
Windows Embedded Compact 7 (formerly CE) is another Microsoft solution for Enterprise Handheld Devices. Compact is a componentized, real-time operating system used to create a wide range of small footprint enterprise and consumer devices. Both solutions have a long history of powering handheld devices and are backed by a large ecosystem of independent hardware and software vendors and Microsoft’s enterprise support lifecycle.

Handheld Devices

See how Windows Embedded Handheld devices can keep your business moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is Microsoft committed to the enterprise handheld device market?
  2. What are the current platform offerings for handheld devices?
  3. Why would I use Windows Embedded Handheld versus Windows Phone?

1. Is Microsoft committed to the enterprise handheld device market?

Yes, Microsoft is fully committed to this space. The Windows Embedded organization is responsible for ongoing product support, the development of a product roadmap, and working with our ecosystem partners to ensure that the needs of the enterprise handheld device space are met. WEB's strength in enterprise devices (handhelds, thin clients, POS) and its experience in building software for mobile devices (Windows Embedded Compact, formerly CE) make WEB a very suitable organization to lead Microsoft’s Enterprise Handheld Device efforts. Windows Embedded Handheld and Windows Embedded Compact products will continue to play a critical role to enable mobility in several sectors – government, retail, logistics, healthcare etc. and we are committed to moving this market moving forward.

2. What are the current platform offerings for handheld devices?

Our partners build Enterprise Handheld Devices using Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and Windows Embedded Compact 7 solutions. Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and Windows Embedded Compact 7 are great platforms to power the wide range of Enterprise Handheld Devices used by enterprise customers today.

Microsoft recommends Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 as the platform when:
  • Application compatibility across a wide range of devices is desired
  • The device requires advanced security (remote wipe, password enforcement) and device management capabilities
  • Voice telephony is desired (Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 provides Cellcore and Dialer capabilities for enterprise handheld devices)
Microsoft recommends Windows Embedded Compact 7 when:
  • A high degree of customization and flexibility is required for the device
  • The device focuses on a on a dedicated task

3. Why would I use Windows Embedded Handheld versus Windows Phone 7?

Windows Embedded Handheld is targeted at enterprise handheld devices that run LOB applications. It’s intended for enterprise users who need a device that integrates with existing enterprise infrastructure, is compatible with Windows Mobile 6.5 applications, and leverages current device management and security solutions.

Windows Phone targets smart phones with a new UI, tools, and application marketplace. It is not compatible with Windows Mobile 6.5 applications.

New to Windows Embedded Handheld

Partners Release
New Devices on
Handheld 6.5

Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 is gaining momentum in the handheld device space. In April Honeywell released the Dolphin 99EX mobile computer, designed to provide exceptional durability and extended battery life for workers in the transportation and logistics industries. Intermec has released the 70 Series, comprised of four distinct rugged handhelds sharing a common platform and capabilities; each product is built to address specific business needs.

Latest News

Microsoft releases Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5
1/10/2011
David Wurster, Senior Product Manager at Windows Embedded, announces Windows … Read More
Microsoft Outlines Commitment to the Future of Enterprise Handheld Devices
6/17/2010
Microsoft unveils new brand and road map, and extends support for the enterprise … Read More
Intelligent Systems on Display at Microsoft TechDays
2/9/2012
Microsoft partners illustrate innovative solutions for European retailers at … Read More