1. Windows Embedded OS Introduction
Samantha Chiang
S/W Distribution

2. Microsoft’s OEM Device Solution

3. Windows Embedded Family
Consumer
Robotics
Thin Client
Portable media
Industrial Automation
Dedicated servers
Flexibility
Fixed Features,
Windows Desktop Compatibility
Medical
Entertainment
Office Automation
ATM /
Kiosk
Kiosks
Handheld Terminals
Point of Service

4. Road Map Timeline

5. Microsoft Solution for Embedded System
Windows Embedded
WinCE (Tool Kit)
WEPOS/POSReady/Windows 8 Industry
Windows XPE/Windows Embedded Standard (Tool kit)
Microsoft Desktop Operating Systems for Embedded System
Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems
Windows 7 Professional/Ultimate for Embedded Systems
Windows 8 Pro for Embedded Systems
Windows 2000 Professional for Embedded Systems
MS-DOS for Embedded Systems
Windows Server 2003/2008/2012 for Embedded System
Windows SQL Server 2005/2008/2012 for Embedded System

6. Windows Embedded OS Value Propositions
The Windows Embedded family of operating systems provides powerful tools that help OEMs create a wide range of branded, differentiated devices with rich user experiences.
Benefits
Reduced time to market
Reduced development costs
Flexible licensing
15-year product availability and 10 years of support
Rich user experience capability
Broad connectivity
Product differentiation and customization
Robust support
Greater control over image footprint
Intellectual property protection
Easy licensing
Benefit
Reduced time to market
Windows Embedded helps reduce time to market with its familiar .NET programming model and rich developer tools.
Reduced development costs
With key functionalities such as multimedia codecs, Bluetooth, and real-time kernel (in Windows Embedded Compact) and broadly used development tools, Windows Embedded can help reduce development costs over competing platforms with which OEMs would have to pay for additional functionalities and development tools.
Flexible licensing
OEMs can reduce up-front costs as they pay for software only when their devices ship. In addition, the tiered-volume licensing model lets OEMs pay less per license the more they ship.
15-year product availability and 10 years of support
Windows Embedded products are covered by an industry leading 10-year support program plus a product availability of 15 years.
Rich user experience capability
API innovations in Windows Embedded help OEMs create devices with rich user experience through built-in capabilities such as Windows Touch and gestures, 3D display control, handwriting and voice recognition, and more.
Broad connectivity
Windows Embedded is compatible with thousands of production-quality off-the-shelf applications, services, and certified drivers. This means developers can create devices that seamlessly connect to Windows PCs, servers, and services such as Active Directory, Network Access Protection, Domain Join, and more.
Product differentiation and customization
Unlike other embedded OSs, Windows Embedded lets OEMs customize and brand the UI. Windows Embedded includes development tools that help build differentiated products, such as gesture support, Silverlight, the latest .NET, Aero Glass, 64-bit support (in Windows Embedded Standard and Windows Embedded Server), and more. In addition, Windows Embedded lets developers choose exactly what components they need.
Robust support
OEMs can get help from a global ecosystem of experienced partners and extensive online resources.
Greater control over image footprint
Some Windows Embedded OSs (Windows Embedded Standard, Windows Embedded Compact, and Windows Embedded Server with Server Core) allow developers to pick and choose the components they need, which helps control footprint size and decrease attack surface for a more secure device.
Intellectual property protection
Windows Embedded licensing helps OEMs and developers preserve their intellectual property, unlike some competing platforms that might require OEMs to make their intellectual property public and subject them to liability.
Easy licensing
No product activation or easy activation through OA (for Windows Embedded Enterprise and Server).

7. Windows Embedded Platforms
Setup
Application
Processor support
User scenarios
for Point-of-Service devices requiring
Installation CD
Field or OEM-deployed application
X86 architecture
for devices requiring PC-class performance & network capabilities
Windows Embedded Target Designer
OEM integrates application and OS into device
for smaller footprint, portable devices
Windows CE Platform Builder toolkit
OEM integrates application and OS into device
X86, ARM, MIPS, SH4 architectures
Windows Embedded Compact
Windows Embedded Standard
Windows Embedded POSReady

8. Choosing a Windows Embedded Platform
X86 CPU Architecture
Only ?
No – ARM, MIPS, SHx or x86
Yes
Require Real-time
Support ?
Yes – requires hard real-time OS
No –
or via third-party
Using Existing Win32
Applications ?
No – customized Win32 applications
Yes
Windows Embedded
Standard (XPE)
Either
Windows Embedded
Compact (CE)

9. Windows Embedded standard (XPE/WES2009/WES7)
Complete embedded platform that enables advanced devices by delivering the power of Windows to embedded devices.
Windows XP Professional where developers can
choose the components
Embedded-enabling features
Powerful authoring tools
More than 10,000 components for
XPE/WES2009, and 1000 components
for WES 7
Benefit
Reduced time to market
Windows Embedded helps reduce time to market with its familiar .NET programming model and rich developer tools.
Reduced development costs
With key functionalities such as multimedia codecs, Bluetooth, and real-time kernel (in Windows Embedded Compact) and broadly used development tools, Windows Embedded can help reduce development costs over competing platforms with which OEMs would have to pay for additional functionalities and development tools.
Flexible licensing
OEMs can reduce up-front costs as they pay for software only when their devices ship. In addition, the tiered-volume licensing model lets OEMs pay less per license the more they ship.
15-year product availability and 10 years of support
Windows Embedded products are covered by an industry leading 10-year support program plus a product availability of 15 years.
Rich user experience capability
API innovations in Windows Embedded help OEMs create devices with rich user experience through built-in capabilities such as Windows Touch and gestures, 3D display control, handwriting and voice recognition, and more.
Broad connectivity
Windows Embedded is compatible with thousands of production-quality off-the-shelf applications, services, and certified drivers. This means developers can create devices that seamlessly connect to Windows PCs, servers, and services such as Active Directory, Network Access Protection, Domain Join, and more.
Product differentiation and customization
Unlike other embedded OSs, Windows Embedded lets OEMs customize and brand the UI. Windows Embedded includes development tools that help build differentiated products, such as gesture support, Silverlight, the latest .NET, Aero Glass, 64-bit support (in Windows Embedded Standard and Windows Embedded Server), and more. In addition, Windows Embedded lets developers choose exactly what components they need.
Robust support
OEMs can get help from a global ecosystem of experienced partners and extensive online resources.
Greater control over image footprint
Some Windows Embedded OSs (Windows Embedded Standard, Windows Embedded Compact, and Windows Embedded Server with Server Core) allow developers to pick and choose the components they need, which helps control footprint size and decrease attack surface for a more secure device.
Intellectual property protection
Windows Embedded licensing helps OEMs and developers preserve their intellectual property, unlike some competing platforms that might require OEMs to make their intellectual property public and subject them to liability.
Easy licensing
No product activation or easy activation through OA (for Windows Embedded Enterprise and Server).

10. Windows Embedded Standard 7 SKU Features Summary
Key Features
Windows Embedded Standard 7 WS7E
Windows Embedded Standard 7 WS7P
.NET 3.5 SP1 Framework √
Action Center
Aero Background
Backup and Restore
Bluetooth Support
CPU support - x32/x64
Credentials Manager
Direct Boot from VHD
Fax and Scan
Networking IPv4/IPv6 support
Internet Explorer 8
Join a Domain and Group Policy Controls
Live Taskbar Thumbnails
Location and other sensors
Offline Folders
Remote Desktop Protocol 7.0
Windows Media Player 12
Windows Mobility Center
Windows Presentation Foundation
Windows Sideshow(Aux Display)
Windows Taskbar & Jump Lists
Applocker
Bitlocker & Bitlocker to Go
BranchCache
Create and Play DVDs
DirectAccess
Home media streaming, including Play To
HomeGroup
Multilingual User Interface Packs
Parental Control
PhotoViewer
Remote Assistance
Remote Media Streaming
Snipping Tool, Sticky Notes, Windows Journal
Tablet PC support
Windows Defender (Malware)
Windows Media Center
Windows Search
Windows Touch (Multi-Touch)
WES 7 has two SKUs, one is WES 7 E, another one is WES7 P.
Main different is Multilanguage & Multi touch

11. Windows Embedded Compact (CE)
4/15/2017 9:18 PM
Windows Embedded Compact (CE)
Windows CE integrates advanced Windows’ technologies to rapidly build a wide range of innovative, small-footprint devices.
Reliable real-time capabilities
Customization and differentiation of devices
ARM, x86, MIPS and SH-compatible
Componentized into hundreds of
modules
© 2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
This presentation is for informational purposes only. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, in this summary.

12. Windows Embedded POSReady (WPEOS)
4/15/2017 9:18 PM
Windows Embedded POSReady (WPEOS)
POSReady is a flexible operating system designed for point of-service solutions that seamlessly connects with peripherals, servers, and services.
POS Application Compatibility
Plug-n-Play Functionality
Windows XP Professional, Win32 APIs
Drivers Compatibility
© 2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
This presentation is for informational purposes only. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, in this summary.

13. Recommendation Applications
Retail
Medical
Industrial Solutions
Digital
Signage
POS
Device
Records Device
Diagnostic
Sensors/
Actuators
HMI/
SCADA
MES/
PLM
RFID
Readers
Windows Embedded
Compact
Standard
Server
Windows Embedded Enterprise
Windows Embedded POS Ready
=Secondary Recommendation
=Primary Recommendation

14. Recommendation Applications
Device Type
Multifunc-tion Printer
Kiosk
ATM
Set Top Box
Intelligent Application
Digital
Imaging
Gaming
Security & Surveillance
Thin Client
Windows Embedded
Compact
Standard
Server
Windows Embedded Enterprise
Windows Embedded POS Ready
=Secondary Recommendation
=Primary Recommendation

15. OS Product Lifetime Product Name General Availability
Distribution End Date
Classic OS
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional for Embedded Systems (1-2 CPU)
12/31/2001
12/31/2016
Windows® 7 Professional for Embedded Systems x32/x64 (1-2 CPU)
10/22/2009
09/30/2024
Embedded OS
Windows® Embedded CE 6.0 Operating System (Toolkit and Runtime) - All Versions
11/01/2006
02/28/2022
Windows® Embedded Compact 7 (Toolkit and Runtime) - All Versions
03/01/2011
02/28/2026
Microsoft® Windows® XP Embedded (Toolkit and Runtime) - All
01/30/2002
01/30/2017
Microsoft® Windows® Embedded Standard (Toolkit and Runtime) - All
10/07/2008
01/08/2024
Windows® Embedded Standard 7 (Toolkit and Runtime) - All Versions
07/27/2010
07/27/2025
Server OS
Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems Standard and Enterprise, all editions
05/01/2008
02/06/2023
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for Embedded Systems, all versions
09/1/2008
07/31/2023
Microsoft® Windows Server® 2008 R2 for Embedded Systems ,all Versions
08/06/2009
Windows Server 2012 for Embedded Systems
10/30/2012
06/30/2027
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 for Embedded Systems
05/20/2012
03/31/2027

16. Embedded OS Comparison

17. Windows 7 Pro/ WES Comparison
Features
Windows  7 
for Embedded System
Windows  Embedded
standard 7
standard  2009
Windows Technologies
Windows 7 Ultimate
Subset of Windows 7 Ultimate
Subset available on Windows XP Professional
Processor Support
32-bit (x86), 64-bit
32-bit (x86)
OS Image Footprint
16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
 Minimum Image size > 500MB
Minimum image size > 40MB
OS Building Blocks
Whole
Packages ~200
Drivers ~ 400
Components ~1000
Drivers ~9000
Platform Builder
None
Image Build Wizard
Image Configuration Editor
Target Designer
Component Designer
Embedded Enabling Features
EWF/FBWF/USB Boot
HORM/Custom Shell
Windows Update
Yes No
Multi Touch

18. Compare Window Systems
Scenario
Capability
POSReady 7
POSReady
2009
Windows XP
Professional
Windows 7 Professional
Windows 7 Ultimate
Familiar Windows 7
technologies
Windows Multi Touch ●
N/A
Localization and multilingual
user interface (MUI) support
Multi User Language
support 36 Languages
(32)
Unified point-ofservice (POS) peripheral management
Microsoft POS for.NET
Enhanced security features
Enhanced Write Filter
File-Based Write Filter
Keyboard filter
BitLocker
AppLocker
BranchCache
DirectAccess
Registry filter
Connection evolution
Remote Desktop
Protocol 7.1

19. POSReady 2009 & WES Comparison

20. Windows Embedded 8 Introduction

21. Windows Embedded 8 Editions
Windows Embedded 8 Standard
Windows Embedded 8
Pro
Invest for
the Future
Rich Experience
Connected
Secure
Targeted
Intelligent System Ready
Windows Embedded 8 Editions
Windows Embedded 8 Standard and Windows Embedded 8 Pro are two editions in the Windows Embedded 8 family of products that bring the power and capabilities of Windows 8 to specialized devices.
Here are a couple of the key benefits of Windows Embedded 8 for specialized devices.
Run your existing Windows LOB application or create a new experience with Windows 8 style applications
Deliver an immersive, natural user experience with multi touch and Kinect for Windows
Improve mobility and access with new power management and wireless technologies
Create a custom OS image to deliver the necessary functionality for the device
Use the enhanced security technologies to protect your device, data and network
Lockdown features reduce custom development and help secure your device from unintended interactions
Access IT systems and the cloud to keep devices connected to the information that matters most
Manage the device with Microsoft System Center and Windows Embedded Device Manager
Improve time to market with updated OS development tools
Note: More details on the benefits and value proposition for Windows Embedded 8 can be found in the Windows Embedded 8 Value Proposition Deck
Windows Embedded Standard 7
Windows Embedded 8 Standard
New Naming Convention
Windows 7 for Embedded Systems
Windows Embedded 8 Pro
Windows Embedded POSReady 7
Windows Embedded 8 Industry

22. Windows Embedded 8 Edition Alignment
Windows Embedded 8 follows the evolution of Windows 8 by reducing edition complexity
Windows 8 Enterprise
Volume License Only
Windows 8 Pro
Business Focused
Windows Embedded 8 Standard
Windows Embedded 8 Standard Enterprise Kit
Windows Embedded 8 Pro
Windows Embedded 8 Pro Side Loading 8
Rationalized SKU plan for OEMs
Unique Edition for Enterprise Customers
End User activation of additional technologies
PC/General Purpose Offerings
Embedded/Industry Specific Offerings
Windows 8
Consumer Focused
OEM
Licensed
End User
Windows Embedded 8 Industry Pro
Windows Embedded 8 Industry Enterprise,
Side Loading
No Consumer Focused Edition
Windows Embedded 8 Industry Pro (Retail)
Windows 8 SKUs
With Windows 8, Microsoft has reduced the SKU/Edition Complexity in the OEM channel. In Windows 8, there is a SKU focused on the consumer segment, Windows 8, and a SKU focused on the business segment, Windows 8 Pro. We are no longer offering SKUs like Ultimate, which makes Pro the most feature rich offering in the OEM channel. With this change, we have added key functionality from the Ultimate SKU to Pro including MUI and Bitlocker to meet the needs of business customers.
There will also be a version of Windows available through Volume Licensing only, Windows 8 Enterprise , that includes enterprise specific functionality like App Locker and Direct Access.
Embedded SKU Strategy
In defining the SKU plan for Windows Embedded 8, we followed a couple key principles:
Aligning to Windows and the Microsoft SKU and channel Strategy
Enabling the core Industry Specific Scenarios with Windows Embedded 8 products
Providing the necessary functionality for Intelligent Systems
The key takeaways on the Windows Embedded 8 SKU plan are:
There is a single OEM SKU for each product - Windows Embedded 8 Standard, Windows Embedded 8 Pro
Key functionality available in the OEM SKUs – MUI, Touch, Bitlocker, Windows 8 experience and apps, IE 10
All SKUs include the functionality to enable Intelligent Systems – Identity, Security, Manageability
The end user of the device can enable additional functionality through an additional licensing step
For WES 8, enterprise features are dormant in the OEM SKU and can be activated by the end user by entering a product key
A couple notable differences from our Windows 7 wave products:
There is no Ultimate FES SKU or Single Language SKUs
There is a single WES SKU that includes functionality like Touch, MUI, and Bitlocker
Certain features in Windows 8 Enterprise can be enabled on a Windows Embedded 8 Standard device by the end user through an additional licensing step with Microsoft. These features ship in the OEM image as dormant.
Sideloading is the only Enterprise feature that can ben enabled on Windows Embedded 8 Pro

23. Windows Embedded 8 Standard
Modular version of Windows 8 enhanced to meet the needs of Intelligent Systems
OEM Enabled Features
Bitlocker
Windows 8 & Desktop Apps
Multi Touch
Write/Gesture/Keyboard Filters
Internet Explorer 10
Trusted Boot
Connected Standby
Easy Enterprise Integration
Modular OS
Multi-User Interface
App Launcher
Custom Branding
Single feature rich SKU to meet needs of industry specific devices
Key Windows 8 Pro functionality plus Embedded specific technologies
End user enabled features are dormant in OEM image
End User Enabled Features
Branch Cache
Direct Access
App Locker
Side Loading
Enables OEMs to deliver enterprise functionally on devices
Features are dormant in each device image provided by OEM
End Users must activate features through additional License with Microsoft
Windows Embedded 8 Standard has a single SKU to meet the needs of Intelligent Systems.
OEMs can create devices that provide the key functionality of Windows 8 Pro, which is the version of Windows 8 targeted at business users, plus Embedded specific technologies (Features listed are a subset of full SKU offering). Windows Embedded 8 Standard also has features from Windows 8 Enterprise dormant in each OEM device image. The end user of the device can activate these features through an additional licensing step with Microsoft. This strategy allows our partners to deliver key functionality from Windows 8, including Windows 8 Enterprise features to their customers. More details on the end user licensing process to come.
Note: Sideloading refers to the process to load an non certified Windows 8 application on the device

24. Windows Embedded 8 Pro OEM Enabled Features End User Enabled Features
Windows Embedded 8 Pro offers full power of Windows 8 for industry specific devices
OEM Enabled Features
Anti Malware
Full Compatibility
Domain Join
Remote Access
Bitlocker
Windows 8 & Desktop Apps
Multi Touch
Internet Explorer 10
Trusted Boot
Connected Standby
Easy Enterprise Integration
Multi-User Interface
Single feature rich SKU to meet needs of industry specific devices
Full version of Windows 8 Pro with license restrictions
End User Enabled Features
Side Loading
Provides end user greater flexibility on app experience
End Users can enable Side Loading through additional License with Microsoft
Windows Embedded 8 Pro has a single SKU to meet the needs of Intelligent Systems.
OEMs can create devices that provide based on the full version of Windows 8 Pro, which is the version of Windows 8 targeted at business users, with license restrictions for industry specific scenarios (Features listed are a subset of full SKU offering). The end user of a Windows Embedded 8 Pro device can enable Sideloading through an additional licensing step with Microsoft. More details on the end user licensing process to come.
Note: Sideloading refers to the process to load an non certified Windows 8 application on the device

25. Windows Embedded 8 Industry Pro
Windows Embedded 8 Industry offers fixed Windows 8 image with embedded features for industry specific devices
OEM Enabled Features
.POS for .NET
App Launcher
Fixed Image
Write/Gesture/Keyboard Filters
Bitlocker
Windows 8 & Desktop Apps
Multi Touch
Internet Explorer 10
Trusted Boot
Connected Standby
Easy Enterprise Integration
Multi-User Interface
Single fixed image with lockdown features for industry devices across a range of different vertical markets
Feature set includes Windows 8 Pro Features plus Embedded enhancements
Features consistent for Industry Pro and industry Pro retail SKUs
End User Enabled Features
Side Loading
Provides end user greater flexibility and consistency on app experience
End Users can enable Side Loading through additional Microsoft License

26. Windows Embedded 8 Industry Enterprise (Volume License Only)
Windows Embedded 8 Industry offers a single fixed image with lockdown features for industry specific devices across a range of vertical markets
Enterprise-Specific Edition
Multi Touch
Windows 8 & Desktop Apps
Multi-User Interface
Internet Explorer 10
Fixed Image Configuration for the end users who wants to reimage their devices
Feature set includes Windows 8 Enterprise features plus Embedded enhancements
Available only through Volume Licensing*
Trusted Boot
Connected Standby
Bitlocker
Easy Enterprise Integration
App Launcher
Fixed Image
.POS for .NET
Write/Gesture/Keyboard Filters
Branch Cache
App Locker
Direct Access
Side Loading
*Not available through OEM Channel

27. Windows Embedded 8 OEM Edition Features
Windows Embedded 8 Standard
Windows Embedded 8
Industry Pro
Windows Embedded 8
Pro
Rich
Experience
START SCREEN
MULTITOUCH
IE10, WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER,
WINDOWS 8 APPS
MULTI-USER INTERFACE (MUI)
DESKTOP APPS
Connectivity
CONNECTED STANDBY
MOBILE BROADBAND
USB 3.0
WI-FI
Security
ANTI MALWARE
BITLOCKER
TRUSTED BOOT
VPN CLIENT
Intelligent
Systems
Ready
GROUP POLICY
DOMAIN JOIN
REMOTE ACCESS (RDP)
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
Image Configuration
FULL WINDOWS COMPATIBILITY
FIXED IMAGE
MODULAR OS
Targeted
UNIFIED WRITE FILTER
GESTURE FILTER
KEYBOARD FILTER
APP LAUNCHER
CUSTOM BRANDING
RETAIL PERIPHERIAL SUPPORT ▬ ▬ ▬
Here is a look at features that are included in the OEM Windows Embedded 8 SKUs.
Certain Windows 8 Enterprise features are dormant in Windows Embedded 8 Standard and can be enabled by the end user through an additional licensing step with Microsoft.

28. WE8 Tool Kit
For Windows Embedded 8 Standard Tool Kit, MS is now offering WE8S Tool Kit License at free of charge.
Ways of obtain WE8 Standard Tool Kits:
Go to or MSDN to download.
Order OPK Tool Kit
Toolkit and Evaluation Keys:
•To fully license the Windows Embedded 8 Standard tools, you will need the toolkit product key. The tools have a 30 day evaluation period from installation.
•To evaluate images created with the Windows Embedded 8 Standard tools, you will need the 180 day evaluation key.

29. WE8 SKU Comparison WE8 Standard Industry Pro Industry Pro Retail Pro
Installation
Tool Kit
Modular OS
OPK
Fixed Image
*Embedded Features
Yes No
Price
= WES7 E
= Win 7 Pro (FES7)
= POSReady 7
OEM Activation
Embedded PKEA
Embedded
PKEA
Windows Store
No “Store” Icon in default
Require to disable “Store” Icon
*Embedded Features: refer to OEM Enable Embedded Feature Table
*ATM restriction is applied on WES7P, WE8S, POSReady7 and WE8 Industry Pro Retail.

30. WE8 SKU Comparison Features WE8 Standard Industry Pro Retail Pro
OEM Enable
Embedded Features
File Based Write Filter V
Enhanced Write Filter
Custom Branding
Custom Logon
Unified Write Filter
Gesture Filter
Keyboard Filter
Shell Launcher
Windows 8 Application Launcher
Dialog Filter
Embedded Lockdown Manager
End User Enabled Features
Branch Cache
App Locker
Direct Access
Side Loading
*End User can enable through additional License with MS

31. Target Device Categories
Device Type
Kiosk
POS
Thin Client
Digital Sign
ATM
Manufacturing
Medical Devices
Windows Embedded 8
Standard
Windows Embedded 8
Standard
Windows Embedded 8
Standard
Windows Embedded 8
Standard
Windows Embedded 8
Standard
Windows Embedded 8
Standard
Windows Embedded 8
Standard
Windows Embedded 8
Pro
Windows Embedded 8
Pro
Windows Embedded 8
Pro
Windows Embedded 8
Pro
Windows Embedded 8
Pro
There are countless opportunities for Windows Embedded 8 in the specialized device market. Here is an example of 7 device categories where we anticipate WE 8 to deliver a compelling proposition.
Multiple products in the WE8 family address these device categories
Stress the importance of only using the general Windows Embedded 8 Industry Pro SKU for non-retail devices
Windows Embedded 8
Industry
Windows Embedded 8
Industry
Windows Embedded 8
Industry
Windows Embedded 8
Industry*
Windows Embedded 8
Industry*
Windows Embedded 8
Industry*
* Must use general Windows Embedded 8 Industry Pro SKU

32. Next Moves
Moving into WE8 Industry Pro from Win 7 Pro/WE8 Pro (due to embedded features and activation options)
Moving into WE8 Standard/WE8 Pro from WES7 P/Win 7 Ultimate (due to price advantage)
Moving into Win 7 Pro/WES7 or WE8 Pro/WE8 Standard  from XPP/XPE (due to XPP will be EOL on 2016/12/31; XPE will be EOL on 2017/01/30; some new chipset driver may not being supported)
Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems will continue to be available through Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributors through December 2016, and Technical Support will be available through April 2014.

33. DSP EOL Schedule EOL Schedule Windows 7 Pro (DSP) – Jun. 30, 2013
Win Server 2008 R2 (Box Package) – Dec. 31, 2012
Message:
Opportunity to license and migrate to Window Embedded version

34. Information Link
Windows Embedded 8 launch portal:
Windows Embedded 8 Product:
Windows Embedded Roadmap & Life Schedule: