Microsoft Announces Automotive Solution Provider Program

3SOFT, AutoPCWare, BSQUARE, EDS, InfoGation, Mecel and Zandiant to Participate

    REDMOND, Wash., May 21 Microsoft Corp.
today announced the creation of its new Automotive Solution Provider (SP)
Program, designed to provide specialized systems integration and consulting
services to companies that build applications and services around the
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE for Automotive operating system.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
    The SPs are prequalified organizations that have demonstrated knowledge
and expertise developing products using the Windows CE for Automotive (WCEfA)
platform. The SPs are an additional resource for information and services,
including application development, platform development, platform
verification, test plan creation, code reviews and test execution. Microsoft
focused on SPs with skills in three areas:  Windows CE for Automotive platform
development, WCEfA application development, and testing and quality assurance
of WCEfA devices.
    "Having qualified solution providers available is a great help to Windows
CE for Automotive product engineering efforts," said Nilesh Patel, product
development software supervisor for Visteon Corp., in Allen Park, Mich. "In
the past, we have successfully used resources from several companies to
support our automotive development projects."
    The SPs all represent a subset of suppliers with specialized skills and
experience in the automotive industry. They are already members of the Windows
Embedded Partner Program, which provides industry partners with the
opportunity to be involved in a community that can help deliver products and
services enhanced by the Windows Embedded family of products.
    "This has been an incredibly successful year for our Windows CE for
Automotive partners, and we are excited about the continued industry adoption
of Microsoft's automotive offerings," said Bob McKenzie, general manager of
the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft. "This is the first time we have
developed a program like this in the automotive space, and we are very excited
that these leading companies are working with us and investing to build a
growing business around the Windows CE for Automotive platform. This level of
commitment and support makes our Windows CE for Automotive platform the best
choice for in-vehicle applications."
    More information about the Automotive Solution Provider Program is
available on the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/automotive/.

    About Windows CE for Automotive
    Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive is an operating system built on
Windows CE technology to make possible new categories of in-car computers that
are capable of providing drivers and passengers with hands-free communication,
access to personalized information on the Internet, the ability to summon
emergency services and roadside assistance, and an array of convenience and
entertainment applications. Windows CE for Automotive is an open platform that
allows developers to quickly create powerful in-car computing solutions. It
offers flexibility and choice of computing platforms, hardware peripherals and
software components as well as a large community of developers familiar with
Windows CE.

    About Microsoft
    Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services
and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company
offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people
through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
    NOTE:  Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
    The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.

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