Microsoft’s Classic OSs a Major Driver of Revenue for Windows Embedded

 

Natick, Massachusetts – July 17, 2008 – Recently published research by Venture Development Corporation (VDC) indicates that embedded systems manufacturers and their suppliers are driving Windows Embedded revenue by incorporating Microsoft’s Classic OSs under embedded restricted licenses in device development.

While the scope of the research report covers Microsoft’s Embedded and Mobile segments, VDC estimates that greater than 40% of Windows Embedded revenue in 2007 was derived from Classic OS (Windows Embedded Enterprise) production licenses. The types of applications can range from retail automation, industrial automation, large complex medical devices, and others. VDC’s description of Microsoft’s Classic OSs includes full-up versions of Windows XP, Vista, 9x, DOS, and other operating systems under embedded restricted licenses.

Windows Embedded 2007 Platform Revenue Share
(Percent of Dollars)

“The main factors driving Microsoft’s success in this area is the development of PC-type devices that are not resource constrained, do not require any special hardware or software requirements and where third-party application software already exists” said Stephen Balacco, Director with VDC’s Embedded Software Practice. Real-time support if required can be achieved with real-time extensions from companies such as Ardence (RTX), TenAsys (INtime), and others. “In these cases, with low volume shipments a standard general purpose off-the-shelf operating system becomes an attractive fit both technically and financially for the embedded system manufacturer.”

VDC explores these and other critical issues within the market for Windows software solutions in the recently released report, Windows Embedded and Mobile Operating Systems, Volume 2 from Track 1 of VDC’s 2008 Embedded Software Market Intelligence Service.

 

If you would like more information about this report, click here.