“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.”