http://www.windowsfordevices.com/news/NS2632317407.html

Windows CE 6 arrives with 100% kernel source
Microsoft officially launched the sixth generation of its flagship device software platform, today. "Windows Embedded CE 6.0" boasts kernel architecture enhancements, new software stacks targeting three high-volume device categories, enhanced development tools, and, for the first time, 100 percent availability of Windows CE's kernel source code.

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100 percent kernel source now "shared"

For the first time, Microsoft is making 100 percent of the source code of the Windows CE kernel available as part of the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 operating system package, to everyone who gets the OS package. This, according to Microsoft, comprises some 3.9 million lines of code -- up 56 percent from what was supplied with Windows CE 5.0.

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The opening up of Windows CE's kernel source code is likely to make Windows CE more attractive as an alternative to Linux in many embedded applications and devices that require substantial customization of the OS, or where source code availability has been mandated by the development team. Additionally, Microsoft touts the terms of its BSD-like shared source license as being preferred by many device and equipment manufacturers that don't want to be compelled to make their OS customizations public and available to their competitors.

Microsoft's shared source license currently is not, however, approved by the Open Source Initiative as an open-source license.

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Develop now, pay later

A free 180-day evaluation version of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 is available for download, here. The kit includes the operating system, the standard shared source components described above, and Visual Studio 2005 Professional.

Developers and companies are permitted to use the evaluation version to begin their projects, and need not pay anything to Microsoft until the time limit expires, after which a non-evaluation version is available for $995 -- or when they begin to ship product that requires run-time royalties, Microsoft says.