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Choosing a Hardware Platform for Your Industry Solution
The first impulse of a software developer or start-up OEM in selecting a platform
may be to go with the familiar, i.e., a commercial desktop PC on which
to base their solution. This usually proves problematic as it locks them
into a ‘me too’ look and feel that’s hard to differentiate or position properly in the
market. In addition, commercial components (versus embedded) are short lived.
This means very little version control and may lead to unexpected or premature
product obsolescence or the rewriting of software to address compatibility
issues. If your solution requires industry certifications any changes in the active
components (i.e., processor, chipset, special processing chips) will necessitate
re-certifying the product. However, you can avoid these problems...
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Managing the End-of-Life (EOL) Process
 Embedded computing products differ from consumer electronics because of their longer life. Original Design Manufacturers (OEMs) develop these solutions for vertical markets. Once established and successful, they do their best to turn them into cash cows. However, even cash cows eventually succumb to product obsolescence. After a good run in health care, industrial control or serving the military, etc. they go obsolete.
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Green Computing
 Green computing is an issue that impacts everyone; and, it’s an issue shaped by nearly everyone in the developed and emerging economies. The three publics that define the challenges, and hopefully, the solutions of green computing are the consumers, regulatory agencies, and manufacturers. These three entities must all do their parts in order to solve the major problems caused by the production and use of computing devices.
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Computer-on-Module
 Computer-on-module (COM) is an approach to x86 embedded computer design whose goal is reusability; and through reusability, fast time-to-market. This design approach features the use of a custom baseboard and plug-on / swappable computer card.Having a swappable computer card enables easy system upgrades and an easy way for OEMs to go to market with a full product line that can range from low-end to high-end and which reuse the same baseboard, hence, a savings in time and money.
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Modular Optimization Design (MOD)
 This white paper looks at the development of the PL-60700, a converged communications platform as an example of how new board- and platform-level products with unique features can quickly and efficiently be developed using WIN’s extensive library of core design modules and Modular Design Approach (MOD).
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Vertically Integrated Services (VIS)
 There are various definitions of vertical integration. The common theme, however, is the integration of the various functions required to bring a product from concept to the market place. These functions can include management and control, product design, acquisition of raw materials, manufacture, and distribution of a finished product.
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On-board Integration of Embedded Gaming Products
 The casino/amusement gaming industry can be shortsighted in its approach to product design. Often OEM products are based on motherboards and embedded appliances built with commercial-grade components -- commercial-grade versus embedded grade components. Commercial-grade products have their place; they are typically lower in cost than comparable embedded components. But because they are not guaranteed for long life, they present a risky choice if one of the OEM’s goals is a reasonable long life for the product.
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Non-recurring Engineering (NRE) Projects for Embedded Platforms
 Non-recurring engineering (NRE) projects cover the research, development, design, and testing of new products. NRE is synonymous with Research and Development (R&D); and Product Development and can be performed internally by an organization or outsourced. This paper focuses on outsourcing the development of embedded computing platforms by an electronic Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM).
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Embedded Platforms for Medical Equipment Manufacturers
 WIN Enterprises manufactures embedded board- and appliance-level computers for use in OEM solution-level products; offering a wide range of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) designs that can be modified when ordered in OEM quantities. WIN delivers a range of services spanning board and appliance design through to drop-shipping product to end-users. This paper covers the products WIN offers to the medical equipment manufacturers industry. This spans computer-on-modules (COM), high performance boards for imaging, and networking platforms for secure medical record transmission.
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