As a leading manufacturer of PC-based automation components and systems, Beckhoff has received the 2008 Windows Embedded Partner Excellence Award in recognition of its application of Windows Embedded technology. The award was officially presented on October 7, 2008 during the Microsoft European Partner Conference in Monaco.
Microsoft awards the Windows Embedded Partner Excellence Award to companies in recognition of especially successful Windows Embedded applications. This year, three German companies are among the 10 prizewinners worldwide. Along with Beckhoff, the German companies Wechsler Consulting and Keith & Koep also received awards.
According to Manoj Rami, Senior Marketing Manager, Microsoft Windows Embedded Business, EMEA, Beckhoff received the award in recognition of its outstanding developments based on Windows Embedded and its committed marketing of the Embedded version CE 6.0 R2, which Microsoft introduced in 2007.
Over recent years, Beckhoff has continuously developed and launched new equipment and solutions based on Windows Embedded and has long-standing experience and advanced technologies in the Embedded segment. TwinCAT automation software from Beckhoff permits the creation of real-time control systems under Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE. The Embedded operating systems are used in Beckhoff Industrial PCs (IPCs) of all performance classes. The Beckhoff IPC product range includes compact Panel PCs and conventional Industrial PCs as well as the modular CX family of Embedded PCs, which delivers PC technology with a direct connection to modular I/O as a DIN rail mountable unit for control cabinet installation.
Microsoft appointed Beckhoff as an Embedded Gold Partner in November 2006. This status is awarded to companies with considerable expertise and commitment to the Embedded technology. Cooperation based on this partnership is beneficial for both sides: it enables optimum integration of Beckhoff automation products into the Microsoft world, while Microsoft can utilize experience with PC-based control technology in order to optimize its products for automation requirements. .
"The performance of our partners plays a key role for our success, and we are highly committed to support them in their development and to strengthen our cooperation," said Ilya Bukshteyn, Windows Embedded Marketing Director at Microsoft.