CNET News.com: Microsoft ships trial version of embedded Whistler OSDec 19, 2000, 18:43 (4 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by Mary Jo Foley)
"IDC analyst Al Gillen noted that Windows CE competes head-to-head with other "hard-core" embedded operating systems, such as Wind River Systems' VxWorks and embedded versions of Linux, more than Windows NT Embedded or Whistler Embedded does."
"Microsoft calls this (Windows NT Embedded/Whistler Embedded) 'embedded' because it's not designed to be configured by the end user," Gillen said. Windows NT Embedded/Whistler Embedded are bigger and more resource-intensive than are most embedded operating systems, he added."
"Embedded versions of Windows have a host of competitors from established companies such as Wind River and comparative newcomers advocating Linux. Microsoft has a different financial approach from these companies, though. Embedded operating system companies typically receive a large portion of revenue from the consulting and support fees required to customize the operating system and other software for the device being designed."
"Microsoft, though, charges a fixed fee for the programming tools needed to adapt Windows to the device being built and then charges manufacturers for each device sold, Hoppe said. This approach is the polar opposite of most embedded Linux companies, such as Red Hat or Monta Vista Software, which charge only for development and support costs."
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