The release closely follows the preview releases of the consumer-focused Windows 8 and Windows Server 8. All of the OSes share common elements, which could ease development and maintenance for developers and system builders, Microsoft said.

Microsoft created this version of Windows for embedded systems, small computational and sensor-based electronic components that collect data and automate simple actions. Such devices are widely embedded in many consumer and industrial applications such as vending machines, refrigerators, digital music players, automobiles and routine assembly line tasks.