Microsoft releases Windows CE 3.0 Add-On Pack
The Add-On Pack provides embedded developers with new networking and communication technologies, advanced system analysis tools, and new extensibility software development kits (SDKs), enabling quick and easy development of a wide range of 32-bit connected Windows Powered devices.
In addition, the Windows CE 3.0 Add-On Pack includes support for XML, marking the first step toward enabling the Microsoft .NET Platform for devices.
These new operating system components and tools will be integrated directly into Platform Builder 3.0, the development tool that is used to create a Windows CE operating system image, and are available at no charge to current Platform Builder 3.0 customers. Because of the highly componentized architecture of Windows CE 3.0, developers can immediately utilize the new components and tools in their new or existing designs.
"Microsoft is committed to delivering the richest set of technology building blocks to embedded developers," says Bill Veghte, VP of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft. "With the Windows CE 3.0 Add-On Pack, developers now will be able to choose from a broader array of networking options and multimedia capabilities to enable the best Internet-enabled appliances on the market."
New operating system components
The Windows CE 3.0 Add-On Pack adds to the more than 200 operating system components and modules available to developers for Windows CE 3.0. New components include the following:
- The XML Parser implements an interface that allows for convenient validating, parsing and modifying of XML data.
- Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) enables a Windows CE-based device to share its Internet connection among one or more devices running on the same network.
- Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) enables remote users to access corporate networks securely across the Internet.
- Crypto API 2.0 provides enhanced security through certificate-based functionality and support for smart cards.
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 5.0 enables footprint-sensitive Windows CE 3.0-based devices, such as Windows-based terminals, to access the Windows line of business applications running on a Windows 2000-based terminal server.
New system analysis tools
The Windows CE 3.0 Add-On Pack provides new system analysis tools for Platform Builder 3.0, further enabling embedded developers to quickly debug and deliver Windows Powered devices to market. These new tools include the Kernel Tracker, which graphically displays the kernel's processes, threads and system events, helping developers fine-tune their operating system image and maximize their embedded design's performance. The Add-On Pack also brings additional system analysis tools, including the Remote System Information and Remote Performance Monitor, which are similar to those found in other Microsoft operating systems.
In addition, the Windows CE 3.0 Add-On Pack includes Hardware Assist and Remote Tools SDKs that enable partners to directly integrate third-party development tools into Platform Builder. With these new SDKs, third parties can snap in an even broader range of tools and technologies that easily integrate into the Platform Builder 3.0 Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
"Because of the Platform Builder 3.0 extensibility model, it was easy to directly integrate a wide range of hardware-debug features into the IDE," says Kevin Jagla, marketing manager at Microtek International Inc. "With the availability of the Windows CE 3.0 Add-On Pack, which includes the new Hardware Assist SDK, we were able to seamlessly integrate our PowerPack family of x86 emulators into the single IDE and reduce development time, which enables our customers to quickly deliver Windows Powered solutions to market."
Pricing and availability
The Windows CE 3.0 Add-On Pack will be shipped directly to all current Platform Builder 3.0 customers at no cost. It also will be integrated into Platform Builder 3.0, which can be ordered through Microsoft Authorized Distributors at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ or through the Microsoft Developer Store at http://www.developerstore.com/.
In addition, developers can obtain an evaluation copy of Platform Builder 3.0 that will include these new components and tools.
Edited by Jim Lardear
Managing Editor, PlantAutomation.com