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Arrow collaborates with MPC Data to support customer adoption of Microsoft® Windows® XP Embedded

Arrow provides route to service that simplifies and speeds migration from Windows XP to Windows XP Embedded

Arrow has announced a collaboration with systems integrator MPC Data Ltd to support customers who are looking to migrate their embedded applications from Microsoft Windows XP Pro to Windows XP Embedded. Working with MPC Data, Arrow can help customers to quickly and easily take advantage of the technical and commercial benefits that Windows XP Embedded can bring to single-function systems such as information kiosks, gaming machines, industrial control panels and signage applications.

Discussing the collaboration, Dean Hassell, Arrow's UK Marketing Director for Advanced Embedded Solutions, states: "As a Microsoft Windows Embedded Partner, we have a growing number of companies asking us to help with the migration from Windows XP Pro to Windows XP Embedded. By collaborating with MPC Data, we can ensure that this migration is as smooth and trouble-free as possible."

Steve Harper, the Managing Director of MPC Data, adds: "Some OEMs are discouraged from switching to Windows XP Embedded by concerns over compatibility issues and the up-front effort needed to create a suitable OS image. MPC Data addresses these concerns with a service that can guarantee to migrate existing single-function platforms from XP Pro to XP Embedded."

Microsoft's Doug Follett, the EMEA Channel Manager for OEM Embedded Sales, concludes: "We are always pleased to see collaboration between our partners, delivering the benefits of the Windows Embedded platform to a wider range of customers. From smaller footprints to lower license fees, Windows XP Embedded can provide a number of benefits, and Arrow and MPC Data are able to provide an almost zero-risk route to delivering these benefits."

The MPC Data service includes creation of a high-quality, small footprint, Windows XP Embedded OS image, integration of third-party device drivers if necessary, integration of the client's application program(s), and OS configuration to match the existing XP Pro devices.

Photocaption (left-to-right)
Alan Rowe, Windows Embedded Group Director, MPC Data Limited; Andy Smith - Microsoft Business Development Manager, Arrow UK; and Paul Kielty-White - Systems Engineer, OEM Embedded Devices, Microsoft