At the Embedded Systems Conference today, Microsoft Corp. rolled out the full details about its SPARK Your Imagination community-focused program, a joint agreement between Microsoft and select hardware vendors to bring a complete offering of hardware and software to nonprofessional developers through a simple and affordable engagement model. The program offerings have an estimated retail value of $1,300 and will be available immediately worldwide at prices ranging from $250 to $350.

Previously code-named the “SPARK” initiative when it was first announced in November 2007, SPARK Your Imagination (http://www.windowsembedded.com/spark) brings the benefits of embedded development on Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 and Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition to hobbyist developers and the academic community. Currently, under its MSDN Academic Alliance (MSDN AA) Program, Microsoft provides software for students and faculty in the embedded technology and design fields. Through the SPARK Your Imagination community program, the company is adding complementary offerings and extending them to the greater nonprofessional developer community to continue its dedication to the industry and future talent pool.