SAN FRANCISCO - Feb. 10, 1998 - In an effort to assist original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers in creating new embedded products powered by the Windows® CE operating system version 2.0, Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Microsoft® Windows CE Embedded Toolkit for the Visual C++® development system 5.0. The Windows CE Embedded Toolkit allows OEMs to create custom configurations of Windows CE tailored to their hardware platforms.

"Developers who want to stay on top of cutting-edge embedded technology should invest in the Windows CE Embedded Toolkit for Visual C++ 5.0," said Harel Kodesh, general manager of the consumer appliance group at Microsoft. "This toolkit gives developers the freedom to choose components for building a customized version of Windows CE and supports several different hardware development platforms, allowing them to start developing now, without being limited by availability of hardware."

Comprehensive Set of Productivity-Enhancing Features
The Windows CE Embedded Toolkit for Visual C++ 5.0 allows developers to create, test and refine their code from an integrated development environment. It also includes a complete set of tools for building embedded products powered by the Windows CE 2.0 operating system.

Full Integration Into Developer Studio Environment
The Windows CE Embedded Toolkit for Visual C++ 5.0 integrates with the productivity and project management features of the Microsoft Developer Studio® visual development system used by Visual C++. The Developer Studio environment consists of an integrated set of windows, tools, menus, toolbars, directories and other features that allow developers to create, test and refine their code from one environment.

Licensing Windows CE
The Windows CE operating system included in the Embedded Toolkit is licensed for testing and development purposes only. OEMs creating products incorporating any part of the Windows CE operating system must obtain a license from Microsoft or an authorized distributor prior to distributing their product. For more information on licensing the Windows CE operating system, developers and OEMs should complete the licensing form at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/licensing.htm.

Pricing and Availability
The Microsoft Windows CE Embedded Toolkit for the Visual C++ 5.0 is available at the Software Development '98 conference in San Francisco, running through Feb. 13. The toolkit is also available through traditional retail channels at an estimated retail price of $500. For more information about Microsoft's complete line of development tools designed for Windows CE, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/developer/.

Windows CE is a Win32® API-based pre-emptive, multitasking, graphical, high-connectivity operating system, designed specifically for embedded applications, that enables lower development costs and shorter time to a broader market.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft, Windows, Visual C++, Developer Studio and Win32 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

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