Impressions from the Embedded World

As you know the embedded world took place in Nuremberg last week, and for those of you who were there you will of noticed a few things.

First - I have to say this as all the negative headlines and pessimism around the global finance crisis is really annoying - it was amazing how many people were there. The display area grew by over 5% and the halls were full and bustling during the three days. So if anybody is wondering why CeBit was doing so hard this year, you don't have to look far. I reckon CeBit lost to the smaller but more technical focused Embedded World.
By the way, I'm not the only one who had this impression: click here

So what else was going on?

The Microsoft Auto Business Unit was at the Embedded World for the first time with some of thier Partners showing variuos solutions for the Microsoft Auto Platform (Remember, I blogged about this) and during the three days they also talked about the future of Microsoft Auto in the forums - Gregs Presentation about the Road Ahead was worth listening to and also an extra blog, so stay tuned.

The Windows Embedded Team and their Partners (12 in all) had lots to do - I have never seen the booth so busy - and even I got caught in discussions - must have been the Windows Embedded Gold Partner shirt ;-).
If you asked the right questions, there was some information you could get out of the Microsoft guys concerning Windows Embedded Compact (the next version of Windows Embedded CE) aka CE 7 aka Chelan. I think an interesting bit of information is around the time schedule, as this has been moved to the first quarter of next year - hopefully to add additional features.
Oh, yes: I hear Doug Follet has had a promotion - so Congratulations Doug, next time I'll buy you a beer - and if you haven't been promoted, I'll buy you one as well :-)

If you were looking for .NET MicroFramework you might have got the impression that the hype has died down a bit - but not so - you just had to look a bit more carefully. Pavel blogged about a small community get-together during the Embedded World.

All in all it was a great event and if you haven't already done so, Remember the Date:
March 2nd - 4th, 2010 in Nuremberg!

Oh, yes before I forget: Manoj, remember I'll be taking you out to Mount Lavinia next year - and Olivier you had better come as well ;-).

So long and thanks for all the fish!