Whistler Embedded is Microsoft's latest foray into the advanced set-top box and router market. The company will transform Whistler, its prototype successor to Windows 2000, into a set of discretely licensable modules. Through this division and the promotion of development tools for embedded systems, Microsoft aims to make Windows the system software running inside devices and in PCs and servers.
This version joins the Windows NT Embedded 4.0 and CE 3.0 embedded OSs. Whistler Embedded targets Intel-based devices generally requiring a full set of Win32 APIs and Windows networking. It also extensively componentizes the OS, enhancing flexibility for appliance and device manufacturers. It should be released by late 2001 or early 2002, not long after Whistler makes its debut. Also, it should facilitate faster embedded development and cut time-to-market.
Several embedded development tools accompany a Beta 1 version. Along with the Target Designer and Component Designer, Whistler testers currently use the Database Manager. Developers, then, can import custom components into the Whistler database repository. A Target Analyzer tool lets them identify dependencies between the OS and required device drivers. This version delivers embedded client scenarios.
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