Microsoft has announced the immediate availability of Windows Embedded Standard 2009 Community Technology Preview.

The software giant said that the product is designed to be built into hardware including thin clients, point-of-service and kiosk devices. It will be available to OEM customers in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The platform features technologies including Silverlight, Remote Desktop Protocol 6.1, and Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5. The latest upgrade also includes drivers for Intel's latest x86 processor architectures.

Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded business unit at Microsoft, said: "New features in WES 2009 enable OEMs to build embedded devices that combine seamlessly into existing enterprise infrastructure, including the latest Microsoft desktop and server technologies.

"We are delivering the core foundation for the next generation of smart, connected, service-oriented devices in the enterprise."