Microsoft Windows Embedded, Microsoft Auto and Windows Mobile solutions

MPC Data provides a comprehensive range of system integration services for all Microsoft Windows Embedded and Windows Mobile operating systems. Since 1996 we have helped over a hundred clients get their Windows-powered products to market better, faster, and at reduced risk.

The Microsoft Windows Embedded family includes:

• Windows XP Embedded
• Windows Embedded Standard
• Windows Embedded CE
• Windows Mobile
• Microsoft Auto
• .NET Micro Framework

Windows Embedded Standard (formerly Windows XP Embedded) delivers the power and familiarity of the Windows desktop operating systems in componentized form. It also offers a reduced memory footprint and a range of additional capabilities specifically targeted at embedded devices.

Windows Embedded CE is a small footprint real-time operating system, designed for a wide range of more resource-constrained processing platforms (including ARM, MIPS and SH architectures).

Windows Mobile is a feature-rich family of operating systems specifically designed for hand-held consumer electronic devices. Windows mobile family members include Smartphone, PocketPC and Automotive versions.

Microsoft Auto is the next generation automotive platform from Microsoft.  Incorporating common head unit functionality such as a standard interface for broadcast radio tuners and standard support for CD playback, OEMs can now create multi-function automotive infotainment systems with reduced complexity, lower cost, and faster time to market.

MPC Data are one of only three Microsoft-approved trainers worldwide for the Microsoft Auto platform.

The Microsoft .NET Micro Framework extends the advantages of .NET and the Microsoft Visual Studio development tools to a class of even smaller, less expensive, and more resource-constrained devices than required for Windows Embedded CE or Windows Mobile.

The choice of which software platform to use should only be made after careful consideration of the requirements. Through an analysis of your requirements we can advise on platform choice as well as offering software and hardware development services for a complete solution.

MPC Data are gold-level members of the Microsoft Windows Embedded partner program. To find out why this is important for your Windows-powered product development, click here.

Microsoft Windows Embedded Partner Program

Microsoft established the Windows Embedded Partner program to help OEMs identify the right partners to help get new Windows Embedded products to market more efficiently. Member companies include systems integrators, silicon vendors, board suppliers and manufacturers, and independent software vendors.

MPC Data have been a very active member of the Windows Embedded Partner program since 1998. In February 2004 MPC Data was awarded Gold level Status. The Gold level accolade identifies companies that are best of breed and have shown expertise in Windows Embedded technologies. MPC Data is one of only a handful of system integrators in the world to satisfy the requirements and achieve Gold level status.
Gold Level Windows Embedded Partners have to satisfy stringent criteria and are re-assessed each year by Microsoft. These safeguards ensure that you are choosing the best partner for your Windows Embedded product development.

MPC Data's well-proven knowledge and experience can help you to reduce time-to-market, decrease development costs, and minimize risk.

Microsoft Windows CE

MPC Data has worked with Microsoft Windows CE since its first release in late 1996.  Today Windows CE is found powering a vast array of smart, robust, connected devices such as Set-top boxes, Thin clients, Digital media players, VoIP phones, Navigation devices, Medical equipment and hand held instrumentation.

Our team of dedicated Windows CE development engineers continue to work closely with Microsoft, to ensure that our clients benefit from leading-edge expertise to bring their products to market efficiently. MPC Data provide the full range of skills required to create a new Windows CE based product, including:

• Hardware design
• Board bring-up
• Bootloader and OEM Adaptation Layer (OAL) development
• Device Driver and Board Support Package (BSP) creation
• Driver integration, validation and testing
• Application software design and implementation
• Creation of a ‘golden image’ for production

As well as reducing the risk and timescales for your Windows CE product through our design and development services, MPC Data offer custom training and consultancy to get your engineers up to speed with Microsoft’s latest embedded technologies.
Devices containing Windows CE software developed by MPC Data are being announced every few weeks. For information on our latest projects, please contact windows@mpc-data.co.uk