News

NT Embedded 4.0 Enters Beta Testing

"Headless" NT came closer to reality today as Microsoft announced the first beta release of Windows NT Embedded 4.0.

The beta release shipped to about 350 sites. An alpha version went out in November. Microsoft is targeting systems including high-speed copiers, patient monitors, private branch exchanges (PBXs) and point-of-sale terminals.

New to the embedded OS since the alpha version are:

  • additional componentization of the core Windows NT feature set, including IPX and SPX, AppleTalk, DHCP services and IIS for building a smaller operating system footprint;
  • Improved error recovery, such as message box interception for higher device state availability;
  • Additional device support, including for SCSI and NIC.

Microsoft is also delivering embedded-ready tools such as the Target Designer for selecting Windows NT platform components and Component Designer for adding applications and third-party components. -- Scott Bekker, Staff Reporter

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

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