BSQUARE's New Products, Services for Windows Embedded CE 6.0

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BSQUARE introduces several new products and services supporting the launch of Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0, the newest version of the Microsoft Windows CE operating system. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 includes a new kernel, enhanced security, and richer VoIP, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi support. BSQUARE's offerings for Windows Embedded CE 6.0, some available immediately, helps device designers understand how best to take advantage of these new features.

BSQUARE has worked extensively with the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 beta code in order to develop offerings that are designed to help developers through all stages of migration, whether they need a fully-featured reference design and board-support package, development tips or just help with licensing of the operating system.

Windows CE 6.0 Feasibility Study
One of BSQUARE's new services is a feasibility study designed to help OEMs and silicon vendors maximize their business success from the new operating system by helping to understand the costs and benefits of migration. The Feasibility Study is completely customized to the customer's needs and can include a study of code compatibility and a model of the performance, security, and code footprint impacts of the new operating system. For designers using much older versions of Windows CE, it can also include an analysis of whether they should migrate immediately to Windows CE 6.0 or if they would be better served by taking an intermediate step to Windows CE 5.0 first. BSQUARE can also analyze whether older code can be ported directly to the new operating system or if it would best be rewritten. The report contains detailed recommendations and outlines next steps.

DevKit "Monahans" Reference Design
BSQUARE also announced support for Windows CE 6.0 on its hardware development platform for OEMs adopting the new "Monahans" processor family based on third generation XScale architecture. The new BSQUARE DevKit "Monahans" provides OEM design teams a wide variety of peripheral chips, multiple expansion slots, a high-resolution display, and various connectivity and storage options. Hardware engineers can rapidly plan and validate mobile designs while software engineers develop applications in an environment close to production hardware. The BSQUARE DevKit "Monahans" is planned for release in Q4 2006. With its integration of the Dialog DA9034 PMIC, the BSQUARE solution is the only platform that takes advantage of a power management SoC specifically designed for the Monahans processor. Power management being a critical design concern, this allows OEMs to get to market faster with small form factor, cost effective and power efficient mobile devices.

SchemaBSP 6.0
The BSQUARE SchemaBSP product, an innovative software development tool for creating board support packages, now includes support for Windows CE 6.0 and the Monahans applications processor. SchemaBSP uses a revolutionary three-step process to reduce Windows CE board bring-up time by up to 40 percent. It ships with 200 configurable device drivers and its CoreLinx wizard enables developers to configure the source code to match their schematic design. Once an initial BSP is created with SchemaBSP, the architecture of the tool enables code reuse across product lines, easy BSP updates when a new hardware feature is added to a design, and quick migration to new OS versions of Windows CE. SchemaBSP 6.0 is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2007.

SDIO Hx
The BSQUARE SDIO Hx product, a high-performance Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO) software stack for Windows CE, now includes support for Windows CE 6.0. SDIO Hx is the only SDIO software stack which supports multiple SDIO peripherals using a single controller, resulting in a more efficient design that reduces device cost and size. It is ideal for GPS, streaming media, and VoIP applications, as it supports 802.11g Wi-Fi throughput rates up to 15 Mbps on selected applications processors. SDIO Hx with support for Windows CE 6.0 will be available in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Training
BSQUARE has also introduced several new training programs for developers of all skill levels to learn the new capabilities in Windows CE 6.0. One new class, Building Embedded Solutions Using Windows CE 6.0, is intended for developers who have little or no experience with Windows CE. It gives developers the knowledge and hands-on experience developing an image with the newest version of Windows CE. The first class will be held Dec. 4, 2006. Another new class, Upgrading Your Skills from Windows CE 5.0 to Windows CE 6.0, is designed for the more advanced developer. This three-day course gives developers the technical knowledge they need to build comprehensive systems with Windows CE 6.0. The first class will be held Dec. 19, 2006.

Operating System Toolkits and Licenses
BSQUARE can also help device designers obtain the latest Microsoft development tools and Windows CE 6.0 licenses when they are finally ready to ship their products. BSQUARE is a Value Added Provider of Microsoft Licensing, and also a Microsoft Gold Level System Integrator Partner. With 12 years experience, BSQUARE can guide customers from signing the OEM Customer License Agreement to ordering products and taking the necessary licensing actions during the manufacturing and distribution stages.

Windows CE Blog
BSQUARE's leading Windows CE 6.0 developers provide tips and insights into the new version of the embedded operating system via a free blog. The blog was launched during the Windows CE 6.0 beta by Jason Browne, a platform Engineering Manager at BSQUARE who was responsible for the Kernel and performance aspects of Windows CE during his earlier career at Microsoft.

Complete Windows CE 6.0 Support
BSQUARE offers OEMs and others unprecedented products and services to help guide them from selecting an embedded operating system and planning to build upon it, to obtaining the necessary licenses to ship the device to market. And with intimate, proven knowledge of Windows CE 6.0, BSQUARE can give developers a key head start to take advantage of this next generation operating system.

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