Microsoft Releases Windows XP Embedded Beta 2; Wyse Involved in RDP

Microsoft announced the Beta 2 release of Windows XP Embedded, the component-based version of the Windows XP OS used for building smart, connected client devices. Microsoft will distribute the XP Embedded Beta 2 through the Windows XP Embedded Technology Preview Program, which will let developers begin evaluating and prototyping their next-generation designs. Wyse Technologies is a participant in the Windows XP Embedded Rapid Deployment Program (RDP). Other RDP members include Bally Gaming, Fujitsu-Siemens Computers, National Semiconductor, SCM Microsystems, Siemens, VenturCom, and ViewSonic.

The Preview Program lets embedded developers begin evaluating and prototyping designs based on the XP Embedded Beta 2, which is available free on CD-ROM (shipping and handling charges apply). You can order the CD-ROM from the Microsoft Web site.
   
XP Embedded offers rapid development and deployment of smart, connected client devices such as advanced set-top boxes, thin clients, residential gateways, retail point-of-sale devices, and kiosks. XP Embedded Beta 2 shares features with the desktop version: it supports security features such as Encrypting File System (EFS), IP Security (IPSec), and Windows File Protection (WFP), can use certificates, and supports Kerberos security. The software also supports USB, IEEE 1394, and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), as well as protocols such as IP version 6 (IPv6), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), 802.11, Terminal Server Client, VPN, Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), and PPTP. If XP Embedded continues to include Remote Desktop, the application could provide a way to remotely manage XP Embedded-based devices using RDP.