White Paper: Windows CE Development for RISC Computers Made Easy

By: Thomas Walters and Earle Foster

Windows CE (a.k.a. Windows Embedded Compact), originally released in 1996, can be an attractive alternative to the full Windows operating system offering system designers the ability to control power, size and cost in a new product. For example, the run-time license cost of the CE operating system alone can save as much as $150 over the license cost for standard Windows. Additionally, the component nature of CE is recognized as more stable and reliable than the Windows for desktop machines.

However, software developers often overlook the option for Windows CE when choosing an operating system. Sometimes this is the result of making hardware selection first and choosing a platform not suitable for CE. More often, lack of understanding of CE and how to use it causes system designers to ignore this option. By considering both hardware and software early in new product planning, an optimal system design using CE can be the result.

In this white paper, we discuss the benefits of Windows CE development and Sealevel embedded RISC designs.