Windows7 – Digital Signage with an Intel Partnership

By George Garza | January 13, 2010 in Business, Hardware, News, Operating Systems, Videos, Windows 7

Microsoft is working with Intel to create a Windows7 digital signage platform. It is only at a proof of concept stage, but it make for an interesting development of the future of digital signage.

What is Digital Signage?

An Introduction To Digital Signage

It is a form of electronic display that shows information, advertising and other messages. It is also called also called dynamic signage, because it is a specialized form of slivercasting where video or multimedia content is displayed in public places for advertising purposes or informational displays. The signage for a Digital sign can be represented with a LCD, LED, or plasma displays. They can be found in public and private environments, such as retail stores and corporate buildings.

Here is a short video of how Intel Core-powered Digital Retail Signage is supposed to work.

The Microsoft-Intel Digital Sinage Proof of Concept

Windows Surface Demo

The Microsoft platform is part of the 2010 Intel CoreTM micro architecture, which also features the Windows Embedded Standard 2011. The operating system used is a version of Windows 7 for the embedded market. Take the digital signage products displayed as expected , then transfer the information to a mobile phone. But in addition, the anticipated technology will be equipped with an LCD screen as well as an 80 inch holographic glass, both of which are touch-enabled. Touch allows end users to be in control of their experience and catalyze deeper engagement.

Microsoft has made significant inroads in this touch technology area. Here is a video that displays some amazing elements. Microsoft Touch Technology – Surface Demo.

From that demonstration you can see how the touch technology will be a significant player for the Digital Sinage. The expectation is that the Intel Digital Sign coupled with Windows Embedded Standard 2011 will deliver a rich user experience, it will have dynamic video capabilities, remote deployment is possible , as well as management functionality and power control and management. The two companies expect the optimized digital signage platform they are building together to be available to customers in the second quarter of 2010.

What is the Windows Embedded Standard 2011?

|
The rise of mini consumer devices means that an original operating system needs to be used. Original equipment manufacturers are adding Windows 7 to many smart devices. This operating system is called the Windows Embedded Standard 2011 and it is a version of Windows 7. These smart devices range from consumer devices like gaming systems, or industrial automation, entertainment, and consumer electronics professional high-tech medical imaging equipment.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007

Another software feature of a digital signage device built with Windows Embedded Standard 2011 is that it could use Windows Media Player 12 to deliver multimedia playback of video advertisements. Thin client-embedded systems could be managed by the existing Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager deployment that already manages desktops and servers, or by third-party management systems.

The system center configuration manager can work in a variety of environments to assess, deploy, and update servers, or client computers, and a variety of other devices. The environments are physical, virtual, distributed, or mobile. For Microsoft the Windows Embedded Standard 2011 lets OEMs use only those components they need; they can strip down and pursue a tailor made embedded computer system to meet the requirements of their devices. The stripped down version could be as little as 40 MB in size.

Business Reaction

While the IPhone, Ipod, and other Apple products have had gadgeteers drooling with the amazing technology, maybe Microsoft has done one better. Not by creating new gadgets themselves but by allowing new gadgets and devices to be developed using the Windows7 modified OS. The opportunity for developing digital signage platforms will break down proprietary solutions and make innovation faster. The expensive time to market philosophy may be adjusted while providing a greater return on investment. Microsoft is hoping that companies are financially successful using this product. Great devices are still going to come from ideas that need to be implemented in real time, but the hope is that this will be available now.