CR Corp. has added Microsoft Windows XP Embedded, successor to Windows NT 4.0 Embedded, to its software options for the self-service industry, expanding business opportunities for the convenience banking sector.

XP Embedded will be available on NCR's EasyPoint product line. XP Embedded will allow customers to move from using older platforms or those not widely supported within the industry.

XP Embedded is a version of the operating system that has been broken into thousands of pieces that hardware makers can mix and match to suit their specific needs.

XP Embedded consists of 10,000 components, as opposed to 300 for NT 4.0 Embedded. The greatly increased number of components adds versatility in meeting the needs of device manufacturers like NCR.

The advantage for NCR customers will mean "best-in-class development, security and implementation," according to Jim Piggot, Vice President of Software and Services at NCR's Financial Solutions division. "Within our APTRA platform, customers will now have investment options in terms of new business opportunities and flexible technology choices."

Keith White, Senior Director of Marketing for Microsoft's Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group, said, "As devices become more intelligent and reliant on rich applications and services, they must be based on a powerful platform that will allow them to attain the highest levels of functionality and connectivity.

"NCR is taking advantage of the enhanced functionality of Windows XP Embedded to deliver a superior computing experience to the self-service channel and to provide its customers with increased revenue-generating opportunities."

NCR's APTRA platform currently allows customers to access new deposit automation capabilities, marketing campaign management, personalization, cross-channel selling and compliance with legislative requirements like encryption and audio assistance.