Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Windows Embedded FAQ
Q. What is Microsoft Windows Embedded?
A. Windows Embedded is a family of operating system software from Microsoft for use in non-personal computer devices such as cash registers, automated teller machines (ATMs), industrial controllers, gateways, Internet Protocol (IP) telephones, server appliances, Windows-based thin clients, advanced consumer electronics, and specialized handheld devices. The Microsoft family of embedded operating systems is based on Windows technologies and consists of Windows CE .NET, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows 2000 with the Server Appliance Kit (SAK).
Q. What is embedded computing?
A. Typically, embedded computing refers to any non-personal computer system or computing device that performs a dedicated function or is designed for use with a specific embedded software application. These are closed systems that the end user typically cannot modify. Embedded systems may include cash registers, ATMs, industrial controllers, gateways, IP telephones, server appliances, set-top boxes, Windows-based thin clients, advanced consumer electronics, and specialized handheld devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Web pads.
Q. What are embedded systems used for?
A. Examples of some embedded systems include information kiosks, cash registers, ATMs, industrial controllers, gateways, IP telephones, server appliances, set-top boxes, Windows-based thin clients, advanced consumer electronics, and specialized handheld devices, including surveying systems, barcode scanners, and digital media players. Typically, they are single-function or task-specific devices in which the operating system and applications are customized for the needs of a particular market. Embedded devices often have many different requirements from the standard desktop system and can offer other options for accessing information.
Q. What is distinct about an embedded operating system?
A. Embedded operating systems are usually highly customized for a specific task or function. They may be optimized for specialized hardware or a specific application. Since the configuration is "locked down" and can be rigorously tested, manufacturers of these systems can control costs and deliver highly reliable devices optimized for specialized tasks.
Q. Can I use an embedded operating system on my home computer?
A. No. Microsoft does not license the embedded operating systems for use on a general-purpose personal computer. Windows XP Embedded is intended for use by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to create customized operating systems for specialized embedded systems.
Q. Who is the intended audience for this site?
A. The Windows Embedded (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/) site is intended for developers and OEMs who want to learn more about these operating systems to create new devices, applications, or services. This site provides detailed information about the features and specifications of Windows CE .NET (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Embedded/ce.NET/default.asp), Windows XP Embedded(http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/xp/default.asp), and Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit (SAK)(http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/sak/default.asp). For information about the Windows server and desktop operating systems, visit the Windows Web site.
Q. What are the differences between the Windows Embedded operating systems?
A. In general terms, Windows CE .NET is a customizable, real-time operating system used to rapidly build the next generation of smart, connected, small-footprint devices. Windows CE .NET can run on multiple central processing units (CPUs) and is used in a broad range of device types including: mobile handhelds, thin clients, gateways, IP telephones, and automated industrial devices.
Windows XP Embedded is the operating system and development platform delivering the power of Windows in componentized form to rapidly build reliable and advanced embedded devices. Examples of Windows XP Embedded devices include retail point-of-sale (POS) devices, ATMs, Windows-based thin clients, and advanced set-top boxes. For more information, read Which to Choose: Evaluating Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded.
Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit (SAK) is a comprehensive toolkit designed to allow OEMs to quickly build server appliances—such as Web servers, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, and customer appliances—that use Windows 2000 technology.
To learn more about the Windows family of embedded operating systems, read the Windows Embedded Family Overview.
Q. What is the difference between Windows, Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows Embedded?
A. The term Windows includes a broad range of Microsoft technologies and products and is often used to refer to the desktop operating system. Windows XP is the latest desktop operating-system software and is available in multiple versions for business and home users. The term Windows Embedded refers to the Microsoft family of embedded operating systems for smart, connected, and small- or reduced-footprint devices. The Windows Embedded family includes Windows XP Embedded, Windows CE .NET, and Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit (SAK).
Windows XP Embedded is a specialized operating system, consisting of componentized Windows XP Professional features and an end-to-end set of development tools, for use in non-personal computer (non-desktop) devices. Windows XP Embedded is typically used by embedded developers and OEMs.
Q. Is Windows XP Embedded an upgrade for my desktop computer?
A. No. The latest Microsoft operating system for the personal computer is Windows XP, which is available in home and professional editions. Microsoft also makes Windows XP Tablet PC Edition for tablet personal computers and Windows XP Media Center Edition for specialized media center personal computers. Windows XP Embedded, by contrast, is not a desktop operating system. Windows XP Embedded is used by OEMs for specialized, non-personal computer devices such as cash registers, ATMs, Windows-based thin clients, and industrial controllers. For information on desktop operating systems, visit the Windows Web site.
Q. Is Windows CE .NET an upgrade for my Pocket PC?
A. No. Windows CE .NET is a customizable, embedded operating system for a variety of small-footprint devices, including handheld devices, Smartphones, and Windows Powered Smart Displays. Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 software are software platforms built on Windows CE 3.0. Unlike Windows CE 3.0 or Windows CE .NET, the Pocket PC operating system is specifically designed for PDAs that require a specialized hardware configuration. The Pocket PC platform includes standardized interfaces and applications that ensure compatibility across hardware designs. For information about upgrades for your Pocket PC device, check with your manufacturer or visit the Pocket PC Web site.
Q. What is the difference between Windows CE .NET and Pocket PC 2002 software?
A. Windows CE .NET is a customizable, real-time, embedded operating system that delivers a high degree of flexibility and rich configuration and application options for a broad range of embedded devices. OEMs can use Windows CE .NET to design platforms and customize applications to maximize the user experience for devices such as handhelds, thin clients, logic controllers, and advanced consumer electronics.
Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 software are software platforms built on Windows CE 3.0. Unlike Windows CE 3.0 or Windows CE .NET, the Pocket PC operating system is specifically designed for PDAs that require a specialized hardware configuration. The Pocket PC platform includes standardized interfaces and applications that ensure compatibility across Pocket PC hardware designs. For more information, visit the Pocket PC Web site.
Q. What is the difference between Windows CE .NET and Microsoft Smartphone 2002 software?
A. Windows CE .NET is a customizable, real-time, embedded operating system that delivers a high degree of flexibility and rich configuration and application options for a broad range of embedded devices. OEMs can use Windows CE .NET to design platforms and customize applications to maximize the user experience for devices such as handhelds, thin clients, logic controllers, and advanced consumer electronics.
Microsoft Smartphone 2002 software is a complete software platform built on Windows CE 3.0. Unlike Windows CE 3.0 or Windows CE .NET, the Smartphone operating system is specifically designed for cellular phones that require a specialized hardware configuration. The Smartphone platform includes standardized interfaces and applications that ensure compatibility across hardware designs. For more information, visit the Windows Powered Smartphone Web site.
Q. What is the difference between Windows CE for Automotive and Windows CE?
A. Windows CE for Automotive is based on the Windows CE real-time embedded operating system. While it shares the rich platform for dynamic applications and services of the Windows CE operating system, Windows CE for Automotive enables features such as voice recognition technology, automotive power management, and other automotive-specific options. To learn more, visit the Windows CE for Automotive Web site.
Q. Is Windows CE .NET an upgrade to Windows CE 3.0?
A. Windows CE .NET is the successor to Windows CE 3.0. The latest version, Windows CE .NET 4.2, provides a new and enhanced user experience with features such as Internet Explorer 6, Windows Media® 9 Series codecs, and support for gateways and IP telephones. Because embedded systems are highly customized by the manufacturer and especially because many devices running Windows CE are not upgradeable by the end user, it is not possible for Microsoft to provide an upgrade for devices running Windows CE. If you are looking for a software upgrade for your device, please contact the device manufacturer. If you are a device developer interested in evaluating Windows CE .NET 4.2 for your next design, visit the Windows CE .NET Product Information page.
Q. How do I upgrade my Windows CE device?
A. Devices based on Windows CE use an operating system "image" created by the manufacturer. These operating system images are highly customized for the hardware and software in the system. To find out about upgrading your Windows CE-based device, you need to contact the device manufacturer directly.
Q. How do I purchase the Windows Embedded operating systems?
A. There are two steps to licensing the Windows Embedded operating systems: purchasing the appropriate toolkit with a development license to begin building your device image, and purchasing a runtime license for each device that you will distribute or sell that contains that image. These licenses are typically sold through distributors. Visit the specific product sites for more information about licensing Windows CE .NET, Windows XP Embedded, or Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit (SAK).
Q. How much does the Windows Embedded software cost?
A. The development tools with development license for any one of the Windows embedded operating systems are available for $995 US. The cost for runtime licenses depends on how many devices you will distribute. For information about how to buy Windows CE .NET, please see the Windows CE .NET: How to Buy page. For information about how to buy Windows XP Embedded, please see the Windows XP Embedded: How to Buy page.
Q. Can I try Windows Embedded software before I buy it?
A. Yes. You can order the full Windows Embedded Evaluation Kit on CD or DVD for the cost of shipping. Kit licenses are valid for 120 days from the date of installation. You can also download the Windows CE .NET 4.2 Emulation Edition (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=A4A339CE-5E2E-43C9-8C37-3C5297AA9590&displaylang=en)at no charge. With the Windows CE .NET 4.2 Emulation Edition, you can use a Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Windows XP Professional workstation to design and create prototype platforms and applications for Windows CE .NET-based devices without additional hardware investments. You can also download Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit(http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=F33D39BE-6CB1-4F81-A12E-E10693D5C387&displaylang=en) for evaluation purposes at no charge.
Q. I'm an embedded developer. Which tools do I use to write applications for Windows XP Embedded platforms?
A. You can use the same application environment that you use when developing applications for the desktop and Windows XP. Microsoft Visual Studio® .NET provides the tools required to develop applications and drivers for Windows XP Embedded. Visual Studio .NET is an integrated development environment (IDE) with end-to-end tools for analyzing and modeling all aspects of application development. Developers can use the programming language they are most familiar with and the language that is best suited to the solution, including Microsoft Visual Basic® .NET, Visual C++® .NET, Visual C#® .NET, Visual J#™ .NET, and JScript® .NET (along with a number of third-party languages), which are available by searching the Gotdotnet Resource Center. For more information on application development tools, visit the Visual Studio .NET Web site.
Q. I'm an embedded developer. Which tools do I use to write applications for Windows CE .NET platforms?
A. There are several options for developers writing applications for Windows CE-based devices. For Windows CE .NET 4.1 and 4.2 devices, you can write managed applications using Visual Studio .NET. Working in the same application environment that you use for developing applications for the desktop and Windows XP, you can simply write your applications to the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework instead and use the Smart Device Programmability plug-in that ships in Visual Studio .NET 2003. Visual Studio .NET is an integrated development environment (IDE) with end-to-end tools for analyzing and modeling all aspects of application development. Developers can use the programming language they are most familiar with and the language that is best suited to the solution, including Microsoft Visual Basic .NET, Visual C++ .NET, Visual C# .NET, Visual J# .NET, and JScript .NET (along with a number of third-party languages), which are available by searching the Gotdotnet Resource Center. For more information on application development tools, visit the Visual Studio .NET Web site.
Developers can also write native applications using Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++®. eMbedded C++ 4.0 is included in each version of the Windows CE .NET product and is also available at no cost from the Microsoft Download Center. The latest version, eMbedded C++ 4.0 Service Pack 2 (SP2), ships with Windows CE .NET 4.2. While developers can write various types of native applications for Windows CE-based devices using eMbedded Visual C++, most developers use it to create real-time applications and device drivers.
Q. How does Windows CE .NET relate to .NET?
A. Microsoft .NET is a set of Microsoft software technologies for connecting your world of information, people, systems, and devices. It enables an unprecedented level of software integration through the use of XML Web services: small, discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other—as well as to other, larger applications—via the Internet. Windows CE .NET includes components that use or enable .NET technologies, such as XML Web Services, simple object access protocol (SOAP), Web services description language (WSDL), and the .NET Compact Framework.
A. Windows Embedded is a family of operating system software from Microsoft for use in non-personal computer devices such as cash registers, automated teller machines (ATMs), industrial controllers, gateways, Internet Protocol (IP) telephones, server appliances, Windows-based thin clients, advanced consumer electronics, and specialized handheld devices. The Microsoft family of embedded operating systems is based on Windows technologies and consists of Windows CE .NET, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows 2000 with the Server Appliance Kit (SAK).
Q. What is embedded computing?
A. Typically, embedded computing refers to any non-personal computer system or computing device that performs a dedicated function or is designed for use with a specific embedded software application. These are closed systems that the end user typically cannot modify. Embedded systems may include cash registers, ATMs, industrial controllers, gateways, IP telephones, server appliances, set-top boxes, Windows-based thin clients, advanced consumer electronics, and specialized handheld devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Web pads.
Q. What are embedded systems used for?
A. Examples of some embedded systems include information kiosks, cash registers, ATMs, industrial controllers, gateways, IP telephones, server appliances, set-top boxes, Windows-based thin clients, advanced consumer electronics, and specialized handheld devices, including surveying systems, barcode scanners, and digital media players. Typically, they are single-function or task-specific devices in which the operating system and applications are customized for the needs of a particular market. Embedded devices often have many different requirements from the standard desktop system and can offer other options for accessing information.
Q. What is distinct about an embedded operating system?
A. Embedded operating systems are usually highly customized for a specific task or function. They may be optimized for specialized hardware or a specific application. Since the configuration is "locked down" and can be rigorously tested, manufacturers of these systems can control costs and deliver highly reliable devices optimized for specialized tasks.
Q. Can I use an embedded operating system on my home computer?
A. No. Microsoft does not license the embedded operating systems for use on a general-purpose personal computer. Windows XP Embedded is intended for use by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to create customized operating systems for specialized embedded systems.
Q. Who is the intended audience for this site?
A. The Windows Embedded (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/) site is intended for developers and OEMs who want to learn more about these operating systems to create new devices, applications, or services. This site provides detailed information about the features and specifications of Windows CE .NET (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Embedded/ce.NET/default.asp), Windows XP Embedded(http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/xp/default.asp), and Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit (SAK)(http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/sak/default.asp). For information about the Windows server and desktop operating systems, visit the Windows Web site.
Q. What are the differences between the Windows Embedded operating systems?
A. In general terms, Windows CE .NET is a customizable, real-time operating system used to rapidly build the next generation of smart, connected, small-footprint devices. Windows CE .NET can run on multiple central processing units (CPUs) and is used in a broad range of device types including: mobile handhelds, thin clients, gateways, IP telephones, and automated industrial devices.
Windows XP Embedded is the operating system and development platform delivering the power of Windows in componentized form to rapidly build reliable and advanced embedded devices. Examples of Windows XP Embedded devices include retail point-of-sale (POS) devices, ATMs, Windows-based thin clients, and advanced set-top boxes. For more information, read Which to Choose: Evaluating Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded.
Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit (SAK) is a comprehensive toolkit designed to allow OEMs to quickly build server appliances—such as Web servers, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, and customer appliances—that use Windows 2000 technology.
To learn more about the Windows family of embedded operating systems, read the Windows Embedded Family Overview.
Q. What is the difference between Windows, Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows Embedded?
A. The term Windows includes a broad range of Microsoft technologies and products and is often used to refer to the desktop operating system. Windows XP is the latest desktop operating-system software and is available in multiple versions for business and home users. The term Windows Embedded refers to the Microsoft family of embedded operating systems for smart, connected, and small- or reduced-footprint devices. The Windows Embedded family includes Windows XP Embedded, Windows CE .NET, and Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit (SAK).
Windows XP Embedded is a specialized operating system, consisting of componentized Windows XP Professional features and an end-to-end set of development tools, for use in non-personal computer (non-desktop) devices. Windows XP Embedded is typically used by embedded developers and OEMs.
Q. Is Windows XP Embedded an upgrade for my desktop computer?
A. No. The latest Microsoft operating system for the personal computer is Windows XP, which is available in home and professional editions. Microsoft also makes Windows XP Tablet PC Edition for tablet personal computers and Windows XP Media Center Edition for specialized media center personal computers. Windows XP Embedded, by contrast, is not a desktop operating system. Windows XP Embedded is used by OEMs for specialized, non-personal computer devices such as cash registers, ATMs, Windows-based thin clients, and industrial controllers. For information on desktop operating systems, visit the Windows Web site.
Q. Is Windows CE .NET an upgrade for my Pocket PC?
A. No. Windows CE .NET is a customizable, embedded operating system for a variety of small-footprint devices, including handheld devices, Smartphones, and Windows Powered Smart Displays. Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 software are software platforms built on Windows CE 3.0. Unlike Windows CE 3.0 or Windows CE .NET, the Pocket PC operating system is specifically designed for PDAs that require a specialized hardware configuration. The Pocket PC platform includes standardized interfaces and applications that ensure compatibility across hardware designs. For information about upgrades for your Pocket PC device, check with your manufacturer or visit the Pocket PC Web site.
Q. What is the difference between Windows CE .NET and Pocket PC 2002 software?
A. Windows CE .NET is a customizable, real-time, embedded operating system that delivers a high degree of flexibility and rich configuration and application options for a broad range of embedded devices. OEMs can use Windows CE .NET to design platforms and customize applications to maximize the user experience for devices such as handhelds, thin clients, logic controllers, and advanced consumer electronics.
Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 software are software platforms built on Windows CE 3.0. Unlike Windows CE 3.0 or Windows CE .NET, the Pocket PC operating system is specifically designed for PDAs that require a specialized hardware configuration. The Pocket PC platform includes standardized interfaces and applications that ensure compatibility across Pocket PC hardware designs. For more information, visit the Pocket PC Web site.
Q. What is the difference between Windows CE .NET and Microsoft Smartphone 2002 software?
A. Windows CE .NET is a customizable, real-time, embedded operating system that delivers a high degree of flexibility and rich configuration and application options for a broad range of embedded devices. OEMs can use Windows CE .NET to design platforms and customize applications to maximize the user experience for devices such as handhelds, thin clients, logic controllers, and advanced consumer electronics.
Microsoft Smartphone 2002 software is a complete software platform built on Windows CE 3.0. Unlike Windows CE 3.0 or Windows CE .NET, the Smartphone operating system is specifically designed for cellular phones that require a specialized hardware configuration. The Smartphone platform includes standardized interfaces and applications that ensure compatibility across hardware designs. For more information, visit the Windows Powered Smartphone Web site.
Q. What is the difference between Windows CE for Automotive and Windows CE?
A. Windows CE for Automotive is based on the Windows CE real-time embedded operating system. While it shares the rich platform for dynamic applications and services of the Windows CE operating system, Windows CE for Automotive enables features such as voice recognition technology, automotive power management, and other automotive-specific options. To learn more, visit the Windows CE for Automotive Web site.
Q. Is Windows CE .NET an upgrade to Windows CE 3.0?
A. Windows CE .NET is the successor to Windows CE 3.0. The latest version, Windows CE .NET 4.2, provides a new and enhanced user experience with features such as Internet Explorer 6, Windows Media® 9 Series codecs, and support for gateways and IP telephones. Because embedded systems are highly customized by the manufacturer and especially because many devices running Windows CE are not upgradeable by the end user, it is not possible for Microsoft to provide an upgrade for devices running Windows CE. If you are looking for a software upgrade for your device, please contact the device manufacturer. If you are a device developer interested in evaluating Windows CE .NET 4.2 for your next design, visit the Windows CE .NET Product Information page.
Q. How do I upgrade my Windows CE device?
A. Devices based on Windows CE use an operating system "image" created by the manufacturer. These operating system images are highly customized for the hardware and software in the system. To find out about upgrading your Windows CE-based device, you need to contact the device manufacturer directly.
Q. How do I purchase the Windows Embedded operating systems?
A. There are two steps to licensing the Windows Embedded operating systems: purchasing the appropriate toolkit with a development license to begin building your device image, and purchasing a runtime license for each device that you will distribute or sell that contains that image. These licenses are typically sold through distributors. Visit the specific product sites for more information about licensing Windows CE .NET, Windows XP Embedded, or Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit (SAK).
Q. How much does the Windows Embedded software cost?
A. The development tools with development license for any one of the Windows embedded operating systems are available for $995 US. The cost for runtime licenses depends on how many devices you will distribute. For information about how to buy Windows CE .NET, please see the Windows CE .NET: How to Buy page. For information about how to buy Windows XP Embedded, please see the Windows XP Embedded: How to Buy page.
Q. Can I try Windows Embedded software before I buy it?
A. Yes. You can order the full Windows Embedded Evaluation Kit on CD or DVD for the cost of shipping. Kit licenses are valid for 120 days from the date of installation. You can also download the Windows CE .NET 4.2 Emulation Edition (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=A4A339CE-5E2E-43C9-8C37-3C5297AA9590&displaylang=en)at no charge. With the Windows CE .NET 4.2 Emulation Edition, you can use a Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Windows XP Professional workstation to design and create prototype platforms and applications for Windows CE .NET-based devices without additional hardware investments. You can also download Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit(http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=F33D39BE-6CB1-4F81-A12E-E10693D5C387&displaylang=en) for evaluation purposes at no charge.
Q. I'm an embedded developer. Which tools do I use to write applications for Windows XP Embedded platforms?
A. You can use the same application environment that you use when developing applications for the desktop and Windows XP. Microsoft Visual Studio® .NET provides the tools required to develop applications and drivers for Windows XP Embedded. Visual Studio .NET is an integrated development environment (IDE) with end-to-end tools for analyzing and modeling all aspects of application development. Developers can use the programming language they are most familiar with and the language that is best suited to the solution, including Microsoft Visual Basic® .NET, Visual C++® .NET, Visual C#® .NET, Visual J#™ .NET, and JScript® .NET (along with a number of third-party languages), which are available by searching the Gotdotnet Resource Center. For more information on application development tools, visit the Visual Studio .NET Web site.
Q. I'm an embedded developer. Which tools do I use to write applications for Windows CE .NET platforms?
A. There are several options for developers writing applications for Windows CE-based devices. For Windows CE .NET 4.1 and 4.2 devices, you can write managed applications using Visual Studio .NET. Working in the same application environment that you use for developing applications for the desktop and Windows XP, you can simply write your applications to the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework instead and use the Smart Device Programmability plug-in that ships in Visual Studio .NET 2003. Visual Studio .NET is an integrated development environment (IDE) with end-to-end tools for analyzing and modeling all aspects of application development. Developers can use the programming language they are most familiar with and the language that is best suited to the solution, including Microsoft Visual Basic .NET, Visual C++ .NET, Visual C# .NET, Visual J# .NET, and JScript .NET (along with a number of third-party languages), which are available by searching the Gotdotnet Resource Center. For more information on application development tools, visit the Visual Studio .NET Web site.
Developers can also write native applications using Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++®. eMbedded C++ 4.0 is included in each version of the Windows CE .NET product and is also available at no cost from the Microsoft Download Center. The latest version, eMbedded C++ 4.0 Service Pack 2 (SP2), ships with Windows CE .NET 4.2. While developers can write various types of native applications for Windows CE-based devices using eMbedded Visual C++, most developers use it to create real-time applications and device drivers.
Q. How does Windows CE .NET relate to .NET?
A. Microsoft .NET is a set of Microsoft software technologies for connecting your world of information, people, systems, and devices. It enables an unprecedented level of software integration through the use of XML Web services: small, discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other—as well as to other, larger applications—via the Internet. Windows CE .NET includes components that use or enable .NET technologies, such as XML Web Services, simple object access protocol (SOAP), Web services description language (WSDL), and the .NET Compact Framework.
