Microsoft Brings Rich, Connected Experiences to Digital Signage Market

NEW YORK, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Annual Convention & Expo, Microsoft Corp. announced a strategic alliance with Intel Corporation to deliver a platform optimized for the digital signage industry. As a validated platform, the Windows 7-based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 operating system powered by 2010 Intel® Core microarchitecture is optimized to address the retail and digital signage market's need for a more streamlined, high-performance and highly reliable solution.

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"We are excited about the flexibility offered through the optimized Windows Embedded and Intel processor-based platform," said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded Business Unit at Microsoft. "The optimized platform simplifies development, helping to lower the total cost of ownership. It enables digital signage device-makers to focus on creating rich, connected user experiences that can be managed remotely and deployed anywhere from quick service restaurants and airports to hotels, cruise ships and retail stores."

The companies are currently identifying potential targeted go-to-market initiatives to help stabilize a market that has been fragmented by numerous, non-standards-based platforms. As part of this effort, Microsoft and Intel's embedded divisions are planning to implement partner training programs and joint sales and marketing efforts to assist in alleviating industry challenges.

"Developing digital signage platforms that will break down silos of proprietary solutions and enable faster time to market and greater return on investment is a foundational pillar of our overall embedded market strategy," said Joe Jensen, general manager of the Embedded Computing Division at Intel. "We look forward to working with industry leaders such as Microsoft to create new design opportunities for innovative device-makers and partners, while giving them the tools and technologies they need to create smarter, interactive retail customer experiences."

Some of the highlights of the optimized platform include the following:

• Rich immersive user experiences that include panning and zoom, touch, and gesture input to dramatically improve Web browsing and the overall user experience OEMs can deliver out of the box
• Video analytics capabilities that enable advertisers to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns through built-in camera technology, which analyzes users' physical attributes and then generates tailored ad displays
• Remote deployment and management capabilities that minimize on-site maintenance, updates and repairs, driving clear added value through lower total cost of ownership
• Power management through conditional user interfaces that react to the environment around them, enabling OEMs to create more green devices that save on energy costs

"The industry-leading features and functionality enabled through Microsoft and Intel technology allow us to quickly build the cutting-edge digital signage and self-service applications our customers demand to reach consumers in a more personalized and compelling manner," said Dusty Lutz, general manager of NCR Netkey. "This optimized platform provides us with streamlined access to superior technology."

"The Microsoft and Intel technology showcased in HP's digital signage solution proof of concept at NRF highlights the potential for businesses to simply and dynamically interact with their key audiences, delivering exceptional user experiences through content that is more compelling and relevant than ever before," said Roberto Moctezuma, vice president and general manager of Desktop Solutions at HP.

During the NRF convention, in booth 836 Microsoft will feature the Intel digital signage proof of concept built on Windows Embedded Standard 2011. The proof of concept demonstrates ways OEMs can leverage the optimized digital signage platform to deliver differentiated user experiences featuring dual high-definition video streams on two separate displays, anonymous video analytics that recognize consumer genders, and multitouch user interaction capabilities.

The optimized digital signage platform built on the Windows 7-based, Windows Embedded Standard 2011 operating system and powered by the Intel Core i7 processor is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010.

More information on the Windows Embedded portfolio of platforms and technologies for retail, including Windows Embedded Standard 2011 and the optimized digital signage platform, is available at http://www.windowsembedded.com/retail.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.