Windows CE 3.0 Leads New Charge Into Embedded Systems

Microsoft has released the Windows CE 3.0 operating system and development tools for embedded systems, computer systems that control devices such as point-of-sale terminals, bar code readers, and industrial equipment. In the embedded systems market, CE faces tough competition from both established firms and a new entrant, embedded Linux. Microsoft isn’t giving up, however, because embedded systems are a fast-growing market and can drive PC and server sales. With this release, Microsoft has improved CE’s performance and connectivity, simplified and opened up its development tools, and slashed prices for both the operating system and the tools.

The Embedded Systems Market

Windows CE is best known as the operating system (OS) that runs handheld devices like the Pocket PC and its predecessors, the Handheld PC and Palm-size PC. However, it has also found its way into dedicated devices that monitor factory floors, scan handwritten checks, or manage power stations. In general, Windows CE supports devices that keep their operating system in ROM, that have limited memory and low power consumption, and that may have non-Intel processors. For bigger devices with Intel processors, Microsoft offers an embedded version of Windows NT. (See “NT Embedded Ships to OEMs” on page 17 of the Sept. 1999 Update.)