Naming Changes for Windows Embedded

The next version of Windows Embedded will be renamed to give customers a better idea of the underlying OS technology on which it is based. For example, Windows Embedded Standard 2011 (code-named Quebec), a componentized version of Windows 7 for embedded devices, will be renamed Windows Embedded Standard 7. The name change will likely also impact the “Ready” line of Windows Embedded products, such as Windows Embedded POSReady for point-of-sale devices.

A Windows Embedded 7 release candidate is now available to give customers and partners a last chance to provide feedback before the release of the product in the middle of 2010. Windows Embedded Standard allows device makers to create devices capable of running most applications that run on the corresponding Windows OS version, and developers can use templates to indicate the minimum set of OS components required to run the applications. While Microsoft has announced the name change now, any changes to licensing and pricing will likely be announced when the product is released.