Advantech embraces Windows 7 for Embedded

Advantech has announced its support for the new release of Windows 7 for Embedded systems, remarking that several powerful new functions have been added into this release, including Windows Touch and Windows XP Mode. “Windows 7 gives more muscle to embedded devices with advanced technologies that deliver better user experiences – all on a solid new platform to bring more advanced devices to market,” said Advantech in a statement.

These functions include: Windows XP Mode, which provides an environment in which legacy applications for Windows XP can still run on Windows 7-based devices; Windows Touch – allows for touch screen control and provides visual feedback for touches and multi-touch gestures; Microsoft’s Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) – significantly reduces the number and severity of security-related design and coding defects.

The Embedded Market demands up to 10 years longevity support but most of the hardware chipsets only provide five to seven years support, which means the customer has to upgrade the old platform to a new platform. But with Windows XP Mode, customers can use legacy applications that minimize platform migrations.

According to Advantech, Microsoft’s existing embedded OS begins to fall short of fulfilling requirements for multitouch features in the digital signage, multimedia kiosk, and gaming markets. Because the multitude of drivers that are not configured uniformly, developers are forced to spend more time and resources developing their own usable drivers. The new Windows 7 Touch provides easier solutions for touch integration.