Avnet Embedded has extended its pan-European website to include a new microsite dedicated to Microsoft Windows Embedded Server operating system products and applications. There are dedicated sections devoted to designing embedded server appliances for retail, video surveillance and security, medical equipment (imaging, diagnostics), industrial control, network equipment and telecom operations.
Appointing the experienced James Stannard as business development director for the Embedded Server business has brought increased focus in this sector of the market. Nick Donaldson, director of Software at Avnet Embedded, said, "In recent times we have realised that a high number of OEM partners are using the generic commercial server products and this is costing their business time and money. The biggest issue we face is awareness of the embedded versions of Windows Embedded Server licensing in the market across all our regions in EMEA. Our investment in the server business started with James joining the team and has reached new levels with this microsite". The new Avnet Embedded microsite supports OEMs building server appliances, and IT managers or systems integrators with task- or industry-specific embedded server applications. There is guidance on the licensing options available for Windows Embedded Server. A product chooser advises visitors on the best solution based on the scale, complexity and specific requirements of their application. Stannard explained, "Our customers are very familiar with the Avnet Embedded range of Microsoft solutions for the client or device side but remain unaware of the availability of specific embedded solutions on the server side, too. All too often, customers choose commercial Windows server licenses by default, without realising that they are paying for services and functions the application doesn't need - and incurring cost penalties as a consequence. By using Windows Embedded Server, customers can achieve savings in both up-front cost and total cost of ownership, speed up deployment at the end user and enable customisation of the Windows product that is impossible in other channels. Our microsite will raise awareness of this family of products."
