Microsoft released Windows Embedded handheld mobile platform

After Microsoft released a new generation of mobile device platform Windows Phone 7 for general consumers in February 15 this year, everyone was wondering where Microsoft's lob solution would go. Today, Microsoft announced the birth of its new mobile platform Windows Embedded handheld for enterprise users.

What is Windows Embedded handheld?

In fact, the Windows Embedded handheld platform is not a brand new platform. It is a set of solutions for Microsoft based on the enterprise mobile market. With the advent of Windows Phone 7, the previous devices based on Windows Mobile 6. x are faced with some choices. For common consumers, Windows Phone 7 is undoubtedly the best choice. However, for enterprise solutions based on Windows Mobile 6. x, Windows Phone 7 is too consumer-oriented. What will happen to the enterprise market that requires mobile solutions? Windows Embedded handheld is a solution that Microsoft has launched.

Windows Embedded handheld is not based on a specific operating system. It is a mobile solution based on the customer's needs, such as Windows Embedded ce or windows mobile operating system. For the moment, you can choose Windows Embedded ce 6 or Windows Mobile 6. x.

You can select either of them based on the characteristics of your application. The differences between the two platforms are as follows:

	Windows Embedded 6	Windows Mobile	others
application platform and portability	• Custom SDK or shared API architecture • limited portability of Applications	• Consistent API • Windows marketplace • portability maintenance SS devices	Windows Embedded ce componentized image allows for each device to expose a completely different set components/technologies and therefore APIs to an isV. Windows Mobile consistent API supports rich third-party software development. enterprises enjoy portability of applications against SS various windows mobile devices.
Security	• no active directory or remote wipe	• Active Directory • remote wipe	both software platforms offer device and removable media encryption for industry-leading security. for additional data security, Windows Mobile also offers remote wipe and AD support.
device management	• snmp • device management client	• System Center mobile device Manager integration	Windows Embedded ce SNMP agent support consists of a master agent and one or more extension agents. Windows Mobile clients des advanced device management capabilities including Active Directory and group policy.
telephone support	• cellcore but NO dialer	• Dialer and cellcore interface	Windows Embedded ce comes with cellcore and the device vendor wocould need to build a custom dialer or phone interface. Windows Mobile has a very rich and easy-to-use interface for All phone-related tasks.
custom UI	• Full	• partial • familiar and consistent user experience	Windows Embedded ce offers full customization flexibility to the image and the latest technologies such silverlight for Windows Embedded, the revolutionary UI framework for creating innovative devices with rich user experiences. Windows Mobile has partial customization flexibility as defined in the Microsoft logo test kit (ltk), but the interface provides a familiar experience to users-icons, file structures, etc.
memory architecture	• up to 32,768 processes running at one time	• up to 32 concurrent processes running	Windows Embedded ce allows up to 32,768 processes running concurrently and each process gets a 2 GB virtual address space to run. Windows Mobile can run up to 32 processes and each process runs in a 32 MB virtual address space.
display requirements	• display hardware flexibility • headless support	• specific resolution and glass sizes support • No headless support	Windows Embedded ce has several recommended display events; however, solution providers can still write a fully functional display driver for displays outside of these recommendations. Windows Embedded ce devices can even be made headless (e.g ., RFID readers on factory floor conveyor belts ). Windows Mobile UI and performance are tailored toward certain display and glass sizes. some of the display resolutions supported range from 176 bytes 220 to 800x480 (WVGA ). for complete listing, Please refer to the opk.
MS office support	• Limited-Office Viewers only	• Yes	Windows Embedded ce offers office viewers. Windows Mobile 6.5 offers office mobile allowing for viewing, Editing, and forwarding.

How to choose a Windows Embedded handheld solution suitable for your enterprise?

We can see that Windows Embedded ce and Windows Mobile are two different operating systems. How should enterprises choose their own platforms?

When enterprises have the following requirements, it is best to choose a windows mobile operating system:

1. Applications must be guaranteed on multiple devicesProgram.

2. Devices require advanced security protection, such as SCCM for management.

3. There are some telephone connection requirements.

If you have the following requirements, we recommend that you use the Windows Embedded CE operating system:

1. Highly custom Device

2. This device focuses on a specific task

Roadmap of Windows Embedded handheld

This year, Windows Embedded handheld will still be dominated by Windows Mobile 6.5 systems (for example, es400 launched by Moto today ). If you want to, you can also use a Windows Embedded ce 6-based platform. However, in the second half of next year, the market will be dominated by devices based on Windows Embedded compact 7. At that time, Windows Embedded compact 7 Based on the Silverlight UI display technology will bring new vigor to the Windows Embedded handheld market.

Additional reading:

1. Windows Phone 7 Series Overview, highlights and ......

2. Windows Embedded compact 7 officially announced

3. Windows Embedded handheld