Part One Designing our device’s OS and setting up it’s capabilities..
Designer Developer Workflow in the Embedded Environment
Silverlight 3 for Windows Embedded Template
Windows7 Embedded Compact supports a great deal of different types of devices and you can tailor the OS specific features to that of the device you are creating. There are probably a number of features that you may or may not need that Windows provides as services so Microsoft provides a custom way to get just what you need in an OS for your specific device.
You can start this customization of the OS Design process right in Visual Studio 2008 from the Smart Device OS Design Template Wizard.
Microsoft supports a number of different pre-defined “Board Support Packages” for device kits for electronics you can buy out in the wild and a number of different CPUs..
Notice there is virtual PC support at the bottom of the list so you can create your own “Device Emulator”
Besides board support there is support for a number of prepackaged device types to customize your OS’s services..
For this walk-through I am going to select an “Enterprise Web Pad”, build your own “i-Pad” genre device anyone ?
Now we can set the device’s OS services and what comes standard on the device..
After setting OS services and applications that are are standard on your device.. You can also set network and communications capabilities of the device..
After you have your defined your device capabilities you can then create the OS for the device. Since I don’t have one of the BSP (Board Support Packages) I will create my device to run on Virtual PC so I can use that as my development emulator.
Here are some of the OS Design we have created with the Wizard so far..
Another View- OS services
Since we are done with with this let’s wrap up the wizard and build our OS for the device..
Here’s what the OSDesign solution looks like as it’s being compiled in Visual Studio 2008.
What do I need to play with creating my own devices ?
to install the Windows 7 Embedded Compact CTP you will need Visual Studio 2008 Professional and above and the Visual C++ Smart Device Programmability option (which isn’t part of the default install must be custom installed).
Costs
How to Buy Windows Embedded CE
There are four basic steps involved in purchasing Windows Embedded CE.
Determine if Windows Embedded CE is the right product for you
Microsoft offers a variety of embedded products, so the first step in any purchase decision is to decide which product is the right technology for your development needs. The Windows Embedded OS Chooser can help you make that determination.
Evaluate Windows Embedded CE
If you have determined that Windows Embedded CE is the OS you need, your next step in the purchasing process will be to evaluate the product. Visit the Windows Embedded CE Downloads page to obtain the applications you will need. The 6 month trial version is free.
Purchase Windows Embedded CE development tools
After your evaluation of Windows Embedded CE is complete and you are ready to begin development, you have two choices for purchasing the development tools:
1. Through an Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor
The Distributor will assist you in purchasing the full packaged product (FPP) for Windows Embedded CE. You will also receive a courtesy copy of the Additional Licensing Provisions, which define distribution rights and restrictions that are specific to each Microsoft embedded licensed product.
The suggested retail price for Windows Embedded CE FPP is $995 US. You can perform unlimited field testing and prototyping on any number of device prototypes before you ship commercially. For US and Canadian customers, purchasing the toolkits provides you with two complimentary support incidents to use throughout your development process.
Find an Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor near you.
2. Through a MSDN Subscription
Microsoft Visual Studio Professional with MSDN Embedded builds on traditional MSDN benefits by providing developers of embedded devices with a single subscription for access to a variety of Microsoft operating systems, technical support and other resources. The subscription includes the Visual Studio suite of software development tools and the following full packaged product Windows Embedded platforms:
- Windows Embedded CE (Version 5.0 and subsequent)
- Windows Embedded Standard (Version 2009 and Subsequent)
- Windows Embedded NavReady
- Windows Embedded POSReady
These offerings expand the Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform with developer services that provide a cost-effective way to license Microsoft platforms and tools, receive technical support, obtain early access to the latest Microsoft updates available, and connect to a range of free learning resources for Developers.
Order an MSDN subscription:
Acquire runtime licenses for commercial shipment
Once you complete testing and development and are ready to bring your embedded system to market, it’s time to acquire runtime licenses and certificates of authenticity from your Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributors for each unit that you ship. A runtime operating system license is required to sell devices containing the customized Windows Embedded CE image. The cost for each runtime license may vary, based on the volume of licenses that you purchase over a given period of time.
Windows Embedded CE is licensed according to four runtime SKU alternatives:
- Windows Embedded CE Core: offers almost 600 foundational operating system components that include cellular and other data transmission protocols to enable connected scenarios. Core also provides the .Net Compact Framework to develop applications and firmware for peripherals. Runtime licensing is $3.00. Pricing is based on purchase volume (contact your local distributor for volume discount rates). Local taxes, tariffs, and other costs may apply.
- Windows Embedded CE Core Plus: includes foundational components in addition to features that enable OEMs to build connected experiences. Web Services for Devices (CE 6.0) and Sideshow (CE 5.0) are examples of applications provided in Core Plus SKU. Runtime licenses are priced between Windows Embedded Core and Professional.
- Consumer Internet Device (CID) (also known as C6G SKU): provides OEMs a competitive package that includes web browsing, media playback and messaging as well as foundational and connectivity technologies necessary for internet devices. These SKUs are ideal for set top boxes, portable media players, mobile internet devices, digital picture frames, digital media adapters, and eLearning devices. C6G SKU is available on Windows Embedded CE 6.0. Runtime licenses are priced between Core and Professional.
- Windows Embedded CE Professional: offers the richest set of components and applications to enable complex consumer and enterprise class devices. Professional SKU can satisfy complex scenarios such as remote desktop connectivity, data sync via Active Sync, web browsing, media playback, email, contact management, and voice communication. It also includes a software development kit to allow devices to be customized and extended by end customers. Professional SKU is ideal for many device categories including thin clients, mobile handheld terminals, and industrial automation controllers. Runtime licensing is $16.00. Pricing is based on purchase volume (contact your local distributor for volume discount rates). Local taxes, tariffs, and other costs may apply.
Aligned Business Model
Microsoft uses a royalty-based licensing model, which is dependent on a rapid and large-scale deployment of working devices. The alternative, a royalty-free tools and services model, is prohibitively expensive for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The total costs will depend on how many types of devices the OEM is working on (it may need new tools and service contracts) and on how long the OEM takes to bring a product to market.
Microsoft has aligned its business model with operators and OEMs. The faster the product is developed, the less the OEM spends on development; Microsoft, the OEM, and the operator can then collect revenues faster.
Furthermore, by decreasing the total cost of development of Windows CE–based devices, Microsoft has fostered an environment that entices OEMs to enter this market. (For a quantitative approach on this topic, see the white paper titled Total Cost of Development.)
Want a Deal on a Development Board ?
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/partners/highlights/wedap.mspx
