Component-Based Embedded OS Comparison

Although there is some overlap between Microsoft’s two embedded OSs—such as support for the x86 processor architecture, componentization of OS features, and development tool support—there are also significant differences.

In general, devices built using Windows Embedded 8 Standard will be similar to computers running the Windows 8 client OS from which it is derived; for example, Windows Embedded 8 Standard supports the new Modern UI and Windows Store Applications introduced with Windows 8. A customized OS based on Windows Embedded Standard will typically have a larger footprint and be more resource intensive than one based on Embedded Compact.

In contrast, Windows Embedded Compact 2013 (which will not be available until the second quarter of 2013) runs on a more diverse set of processor architectures. Prior to the release of Windows RT, it was Microsoft’s only OS that ran on ARM processors. Its key feature is that it is the only real-time version of Windows, which means the OS will respond to a hardware interrupt in a deterministic and consistent manner.