Microsoft Corp. today announced the worldwide availability of Windows� Embedded for Point of Service version 1.1. Since it was launched in May 2005, Windows Embedded for Point of Service has gained considerable momentum with device-makers, application vendors and retailers across the globe, helping address the industry�s short-term challenges and maximize the use of legacy peripherals, while at the same time helping retailers plan for long-term investments such as radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, biometric scanners and other cutting-edge technologies.

Microsoft� Windows Embedded for Point of Service version 1.1 is being launched with worldwide support from more than 50 retail industry system providers, peripheral suppliers and application vendors. Because of this extensive industry adoption, retailers such as Virgin Megastores (), Brown Shoe Company Inc. (U.S.), Charles Vogele Holding AG () and De Bijenkorf (Netherlands) have selected Windows Embedded for Point of Service to improve the customer experience at the point of service, while improving system efficiency.