Microsoft announces availability of Windows Embedded Compact 2013

Today Microsoft announces the general availability of Windows Embedded Compact 2013, a version that is optimized for building small-footprint industry devices. Windows Embedded Compact 2013 includes new tools and capabilities -- including support for Visual Studio 2012 that is designed to further enhance Windows.

According to Microsoft, "the release is the latest generation of one of the smallest and most flexible products in the Windows Embedded portfolio, designed to power devices that need real-time performance and silicon flexibility, with support for x86 and ARM architectures".

The operating system is used to power devices such as programmable logic controllers and human-machine interface panels used to monitor processes in manufacturing, RFID scanners in retail environments, and portable ultrasound machines and diagnostic lab equipment in a healthcare setting.

"It’s now essential for businesses to tap into the vast potential of data if they want to compete", says Kevin Dallas, general manager for Windows Embedded at Microsoft. He goes on to explain "with Windows Embedded powering industry devices, that data is made readily available to drive real, actionable operational intelligence for industries. Windows Embedded Compact 2013 is a really powerful, flexible platform for extending that capability to some of the smallest industry devices".

Microsoft says this will offer improved memory management, network management, a snapshot boot, which allows devices to boot within seconds to a known state, cellular and Bluetooth technologies and support from thousands of developers (at least that's what company claims).

Microsoft is hoping this latest release brings industry a bit closer to Windows 8. With companies being slow to adopt any new OS, that remains to be seen.