Windows Embedded products
What is Windows Embedded?
Windows Embedded is a series of customizable operating systems for special equipment. Its mission is to expand Windows and cloud computing to the world of special equipment. Windows Embedded can help equipment manufacturers to shorten time to market, and at the same time help customers to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Windows Embedded is applied extensively in tens of thousands of devices in the smart device domain, such as in thin clients, POS terminals, ATMs, kiosks, digital signage, on-board and navigation devices, and industrial, security and medical equipment, and in key industries such as finance, service, retail, industrial automation, medicine, and transportation. Windows Embedded helps build cost-effective and tailor-made solutions according to each customer's specific requirements.
Why should I choose Windows Embedded?
The Windows Embedded product line offers the time-to-market advantage and provides top-notch technologies, tools, and resources that can integrate and speed up the development of next generation devices. It is all under your control. You can easily build the device you need in the way you want, in addition to enjoying the following benefits:
- Lower development cost
- Runtime licensing
- Common source code
- Intellectual property protectionn
- Commitment and support for Windows Embedded platform from Microsoft; up to 10-15 years of availability
- A more complete Eco-system that effectively shortens time to market
How do I obtain a Windows Embedded license?
Step 1 - Evaluation
- Embedded OEM Customer (OEM) contacts ADVANTECH, Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor.
- OEM obtains evaluation software or purchases a full version toolkit, if needed, from ADVANTECH.
Step 2 – Sign CLA
- OEM Customer signs OEM CLA electronically.
Step 3 – Development and Testing
- For FES and POSReady products, ADVANTECH provides the OPK (OEM Preinstallation Kits) for installation.
- For WES and CE products, OEM completes development of the master embedded image.
Step 4 – Order License
- OEM contacts ADVANTECH to order Runtime Licenses and Associated Product Materials (APM).
- For FES & Server product, key locates on the COA or on a flyer that comes with the COAs.
- For WES & POSReady & CE product, customer apply product key from Microsoft on first order.
Step 5 – Distribution
- Customer manufactures and distributes embedded systems with a Certificate of Authenticity and End User License Agreement as specified in the CLA.
Is it possible to purchase an OEM Embedded software license from other OEM manufacturers?
No. An OEM Embedded software license can only be purchased from Microsoft authorized distributors. An OEM Embedded software license is prohibited from being resold.
Operating System Licensing
What licensing mode should a company use to acquire the full version of any operating system when purchasing new specialized devices /machines/equipment?
Microsoft's full operating systems for specialized devices are only available through the Embedded channel. Volume Licensing Agreement (Open, Open Value, Select, Enterprise Agreement, etc.) is only available for OS upgrade licensing and not available for full OS licensing.
Microsoft's Volume Licensing Agreement provides upgradable operating system versions for procurement. Do I still have to purchase additional OEM/Embedded edition software for new specialized devices /machines/equipment?
Yes. The Volume Licensing Agreement is only available for enterprise customers for OS upgrade, whereby the OEM distributing the specialized device/machine/equipment to the enterprise customer must preinstall the full Embedded OS prior to delivery. It is only then that the enterprise customer may use the upgradable version provided by Volume Licensing. The upgradable version provided by the Volume Licensing is prohibited from being installed on any "naked PC." (Naked PC: specialized device/machine/equipment that hasn't been installed with any operating system.)
Does OEM/Embedded software provide the right of multi-language compatibility? For example, can I purchase the Chinese version of OEM/Embedded software and install it as an English version?
OEM software does not provide any right of multi-language compatibility, that is, you cannot buy the Chinese version of OEM software and install it as an English version or any other language version. In addition, if a computer that was bought abroad is installed with an English or Japanese version OS, it cannot be freely converted to a Chinese version (except for the Ultimate version).
However, Windows Embedded provides multi-language compatibility depending on product type and SKU, such as:
- WES7P and Windows Embedded 8 product family are compatible with multiple languages.
- POSReady 7 allows you to choose up to 5 languages from a list of 36 languages.
Is it possible to purchase a new version of OEM/Embedded software but specifically install older versions if a company has new and old specialized devices/machines/equipment at the same time?
Windows Embedded provides customers with migration rights so that the specialized devices/machines/equipment within an organization can share the same software environment for easier management.
OEM may distribute Migration Systems to End User with an Image that includes the Prior Software on a temporary basis, and then upgrade those Embedded Systems with an Image containing the Final Software during the migration period. Note the migration period ends 12 months following the delivery of the Migration Systems.
Is it possible to install application software which performs desktop functions, in a Windows Embedded operating system?
"Desktop Functions" means consumer or business tasks or processes performed by a computer or computing device. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, database, scheduling, and personal finance. Desktop Functions may include features and functions derived from the MS Binaries or the Company Binaries.
If the Embedded System performs Desktop Functions, the Company shall design the Embedded System to ensure that the Desktop Functions meet the following requirements:
- Desktop Functions must be an integral part of the Embedded Application;
- Desktop Functions must only be accessed through, and used in support of the Embedded Application;
- Desktop Functions operate only when used with the Embedded Application.
In addition, an Embedded System must not be marketed or useable as a general-purpose personal computing device (such as a personal computer) or a multi-function server, or a commercially viable substitute for one of these systems.
Is it possible to transfer the OEM/Embedded software from the original machine to another computer/machine/equipment when replacing old specialized devices/machines/equipment?
No. The OEM/Embedded software "matches the machine to its corresponding rights." It means that the license is always bound with the original computer/machine/equipment. If the original specialized device/machine/equipment is being replaced, the license of the matched OEM/Embedded software will be terminated and cannot be transferred to another specialized device/machine/equipment.
Does the license for Windows products become invalid once the extended support expires?
Windows license remains valid even if the extended support expires. OEM will need to have a valid CLA to continue licensing and distributing our Embedded OS Products.
Client Access License” (CAL) is the license that grants customers the right to use hardware devices to legitimately connect to the server host for access. In simple terms, if a customer only obtain the legitimate license of server software, but doesn’t purchase any “Client Access License” (CAL), their specialized devices or employees won’t have the right to connect to a server for access.
User CALs |
Device CALs |
With the User CAL, you purchase a CAL for every user who accesses the server to use services such as file storage or printing, regardless of the number of devices they use for that access. Purchasing a User CAL might make more sense if your company's employees need to have roaming access to the corporate network by using multiple devices, or from unknown devices, or if you simply have more devices than users in your organization.
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With a Device CAL, you purchase a CAL for every device that accesses your server, regardless of the number of users who use that device to access the server. Device CALs may make more economic and administrative sense if your company has workers who share devices, for example, on different work shifts
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Client Access License based on user
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Client Access License based on device
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For previous server version, please contact : IoT.SW.Sales IoT.SW.Sales@advantech.com
Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
What is a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a label that helps to identify genuine Microsoft software. When you purchase Microsoft's Windows Embedded Runtime License, a "COA" label specified by Microsoft for identification of genuine products will be provided. The "COA" label contains a product serial number and has anti-piracy features. OEM customers should purchase the Runtime License for Windows Embedded OS prior to product delivery and affix the "COA" label permanently on an accessible location on the specialized device/machine/equipment. The equipment with the "COA" label indicates that it has installed the genuine Windows Embedded OS. Each piece of the Embedded equipment has its corresponding "COA" label for authentication.
Why should I purchase the specialized devices/machine/equipment with the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label?
The specialized devices/machine/equipment with the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label indicates that the Embedded operating system is installed with legitimately licensed software. The value that you get from choosing genuine software:
- Keep virus threats at bay: The exclusive features of the Embedded system, such as write filter, can lock and protect the system for effective protection;
- Ensure stable system operations: Customized operating systems can be developed, providing safer, more constant quality. Genuine Windows Embedded can provide users with higher values.
- Technical support for development: Genuine Windows Embedded users can rely on the technical support from Microsoft and distributors to help them launch products faster and better.
- Service support for 10 years or more: Genuine Windows Embedded is perfectly and constantly reliable. It won't leave behind system vulnerabilities after tampering and cracking. Also, it provides timely after-sales support from Microsoft and authorized partners, bringing customers an effective, reliable, and stable user experience.
- Protect corporate reputation: Genuine Windows Embedded can help you to protect customer's intellectual property and avoid legal risks.
How do I identify the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for Windows Embedded?
- COA position: COA label should be affixed to a position on the Embedded equipment that can ensure its visibility and imperishability.
- COA anti-counterfeiting measures: Color security lines showing "MICROSOFT CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY" repeatedly.
The types of COA for Embedded channel
1. Standard type (Windows Embedded Enterprise) COA
2.Thumbnail Certificate of Authenticity (COA)(WES, POSReady, CE/Compact and Win 10 IoT EPKEA products)