2. Windows Embedded for Point of Service and POS for .NET
Jeff Albertson
Product Manager
Windows Embedded for Point of Service
Microsoft Corporation

3. Microsoft’s Point of Service Strategy
Enable partners to cost-effectively build and bring to market POS systems based on Windows Embedded for Point of Service
Provide a standard, retail-optimized OS platform for Point of Service systems that:
is easy to use
Empowering to the customer due to its feature-richness
Lowers lifecycle costs
Partner with OEMs to bring devices to market
Build a broad community of retail application developers and peripheral vendors around Windows Embedded for Point of Service and POS for .NET

4. What is Windows Embedded for Point of Service?
A standard, retail-optimized, embedded version of Windows for point of service devices
Windows Embedded for Point of Service is a version of Windows that has been optimized for retail Point of Service devices. It is based on the technologies available in Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 2.
Windows Embedded for Point of Service will be licensed and distributed in a model that is very similar to Windows XP Embedded today. Specifically, it will be available through our Windows Embedded OEM partners.
While there will continue to be a selection of operating system products available from Microsoft like Windows CE and Windows XP Embedded, Windows Embedded for Point of Service will be the recommended operating system for full-featured point of service terminals like point-of-sale, information kiosks, self-checkout or registration kiosks.
It is also important to note that the development of Windows Embedded for Point of Service is the first of many retail-industry focused investments by Microsoft. These investments will continue through the development of the next version of our core operating system – codenamed Longhorn.
Having introduced Windows Embedded for Point of Service at a high level, I’d next like to describe how the product fits into the Microsoft organization.
_______
Standard, retail-optimized OS platform for Point of Service devices
Only POS platform to provide Plug-n-Play support for retail peripherals
Based on Windows XP with Service Pack 2
Available from Windows Embedded OEM partners
Reduced operating system footprint of 280MB
Microsoft’s recommended OS for full-featured Point of Service terminals
Point of Sale, Kiosks, Self-Checkout, Fuel Pumps, Automated Teller Machines
Point-of-sale
Fuel Pumps
Kiosks
Self-checkout

5. WEPOS is easy to set up and install

6. WEPOS is secure Based on Windows XP with Service Pack 2
Security-related features & enhancements
Windows Firewall
Hardened Internet Explorer
Anti-Virus Support
Windows Logon
Buffer overrun protection
Role-based security
Retail Specific Profiles
Limit application usage
Limit device installation
Reduced attack surface compared to Windows XP Pro

7. WEPOS supports POS for .NET
.NET-based implementation of the Unified POS standard, version 1.8
Supported by the Common Control Library (CCL)
Supports legacy (COM-based) COs/SOs
API for enumeration of POS devices
Exposes plug-n-play notifications as UPOS-like events
Exposes device statistics as PerfMon counters
Provide PnP support for device peripherals
Simplified implementation of .NET-based SOs

8. WEPOS, XP & XPe – Licensing Comparison
XP is for general-purpose PCs that run productivity software (such as Microsoft Office)
Laptops
Desktops
WEPOS is an embedded system, for use on point of service devices
Point of Sale
Kiosks
Self-checkout
ATMs
XPe is also an embedded system, for use on a wide range of devices
Point of Service
Set-top boxes
Gaming
Thin clients
Industrial automation
Many other categories…

9. WEPOS, XP & XPE – Distribution Channel Comparison
WEPOS and XPe are available solely through Windows Embedded OEM partners
Pre-installed on a new system, or
OS image to upgrade an existing device
XP is available through multiple channels, including:
OEM
System Builder
Retail distribution
Volume Licensing (upgrades only)

10. WEPOS, XP & XPe – Functionality Comparison
WEPOS has lower hardware requirements than XP Pro
Pentium-II 233 MHz processor
64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
XP requires PIII-400 MHz, 128 MB RAM minimum (256 MB recommended)
Both WEPOS and XPe install and run the same applications
Win32
.NET Framework
Java (with addition of a third-party JVM)
XP is localized to more languages than WEPOS
However, multilingual user interface (MUI) language support packs for XP can be used on WEPOS as well
XPe’s hardware requirements and application compatibility vary, based on the customized OS image

11. WEPOS, XP & XPe – Functionality Comparison
Local Storage Support
XP requires a hard drive
WEPOS requires either a hard drive, or “wear-leveling” flash
XPe includes a software-based write filter, to support consumer-grade flash
OS Image Size Comparison
XP – generally greater than 1 GB
WEPOS – at least 280 MB, depending on which optional components are installed
XPe – size depends on components selected via toolkit
OS Deployment Options
WEPOS and XPe support Remote Installation Services, installation from a CD, unattended installation, and network install using a boot (floppy) disk
WEPOS will add support for Systems Management Server Operating System Deployment (OSD) in Q1 2006
WEPOS supports remote boot, via the same technology used in XPe

12. WEPOS, XP and XPe – Support Comparison
Microsoft operating systems are supported for a minimum of 10 years from the date of their availability
XP available in 2001, support ends 2011
XPe available in 2002, support ends 2012
WEPOS available in 2005, support ends 2015
“Support” means Microsoft continues to provide critical security updates for the product, as well as other enhancements and services
End customers of embedded operating systems (WEPOS and XPe) receive first-line product support from OEMs, not Microsoft directly
XP and WEPOS customers can receive software updates (“patches”) directly from Windows Update
XPe customers receive updates from their OEM

13. Windows CE on POS Systems
Ideal for mobile devices used in a retail or hospitality environment
Mobile POS terminals
RFID readers
Price-checking kiosks
Queue-busting devices
Shopping cart assistants
POS Peripherals (especially signature capture)
Considerations for CE on full-featured POS systems:
Lack of UPOS support; customized drivers must be developed
Relatively fewer drivers for peripherals and system components (compared to WEPOS & XP)
Limited support for Win32 and .NET Framework-based applications
No Windows Update functionality for servicing
Limited versions of Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player

14. What does WEPOS cost?
Microsoft publishes a suggested retail price of $100 USD
This is what an OEM might expect to pay an embedded distributor for a single license
OEMs provide support to customers over the system’s lifecycle
Customers see a “solution price” – OS license, support, integration, and hardware costs

15. WEPOS Customer Success Story - NorgesGruppen
Norway’s largest retailer, with 35% of its grocery segment
Deploying WEPOS across systems in 1500 stores (hypermarkets, cash & carry, and kiosk formats)
Key decision factors included:
Ability to rapidly innovate and roll out new lines of business…remotely
Simple, remote management tools and practices, consistent with managing desktop PCs at headquarters
Plug-and-play functionality for new devices
A single platform for multiple device types: point-of-sale systems, lottery terminals, and kiosks
Close collaboration between Microsoft, NorgesGruppen, and Anker Systems

16. WEPOS Customer Success Story – Virgin Megastores
Running WEPOS on in-store listening stations
Customers can sample 400,000 entertainment titles, including CDs and DVD trailers
Initial deployment of 150 IBM Anyplace Kiosks at busy Times Square location in New York
Coming soon to Hollywood, California store
Possible future use of mag stripe reader for loyalty applications and special-ordering of out-of-stock items

17. Point of Service Manufacturers Supporting WEPOS
Casio
Dell
Fujitsu Transaction Solutions HP
IBM
MICROS
NCR
NEC Infrontia
Seiko Epson
Symbol
Toshiba TEC
Ultimate Technology
Wincor-Nixdorf

18. Peripheral Manufacturers Supporting WEPOS
APG Cash Drawer
Cherry Electrical Products
Citizen Systems
Hand Held Products
InfoTouch
Ingenico
Korea Printing System
Magtek
MMF Cash Drawer
M-Systems
NEC
Preh Electronics
Seiko Epson
Star Micronics
Telequip
Ultimate Technology
Wincor-Nixdorf

19. Application Vendors Supporting WEPOS
360Commerce
ACA Group BV
Altiris
Anker Systems
BT Expedite
CRS Retail Systems
Ecometry
FULLARMOR
Infogenesis
InfoTouch
Magtek
MICROS
NSB Group
Retalix
SIVA Corporation
Sorimachi-Giken
Sygate
xpient Solutions
Wincor-Nixdorf

20. The Road Ahead WEPOS version 1.0 released in May 2005
POS for .NET version 1.1 coming in 1st half 2006
Update to WEPOS
Free add-on to Windows XP Professional
UPOS specification support updated to version 1.9
Support for Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Adding interoperability support for additional UPOS device classes
Allows .NET applications to use legacy OPOS service objects
Planning underway now for a future WEPOS release
Timing and feature set still to be determined
Likely to be based on the XP kernel, not the Vista kernel
Please share your feedback on what you need us to deliver

21. Call to Action POS application developers (ISVs)
WEPOS Verification
Third-party test to verify that application installs, uninstalls, and runs in least privileged mode on WEPOS
Verified products listed in WEPOS Catalog on Microsoft.com
POS for .NET adoption
Engineer your application to consume device plug-and-play events
Peripheral manufacturers
Develop POS for .NET service objects (drivers) for your devices
Third-party test to verify that service object is PnP-capable
Verified devices listed in WEPOS Catalog on Microsoft.com
Retailers
Order a 120-day WEPOS Evaluation Kit today at:

22. WEPOS and POS for .NET Resources Online
WEPOS Product Information -
Product overview, comparisons, press releases, whitepapers
POS for .NET Developer Information –

23. Learn more about Windows Embedded
Windows Embedded Partner Briefing
Friday, November 11th
Microsoft UK in Reading
To attend, Elaine MacDermott – including:
Name
Job Title
Company Name
Address
Contact Phone Number

24. Questions?