Windows IoT is a Microsoft operating system designed specifically for embedded devices. From industrial robots to medical devices, smart appliances to point-of-sale equipment, the IoT applications for which Windows IoT is suitable span various industries and use cases. You will likely have heard much recently about Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC, Microsoft’s newest release bringing richer features, advanced security, and extended support to enterprise customers. At Arrow, we are thrilled about this latest release and will provide more insights in the coming months, but for this blog, I will focus on the advantages of customizing your Windows IoT image development.
When working with the vast array of IoT devices, a one-size-fits-all approach is not sustainable, given the uniqueness of each installation environment. Hence, customizing embedded systems with a tailored Windows IoT image is crucial to ensuring optimal performance, security, and functionality for your device’s specific requirements.
Customization involves tailoring the Windows IoT operating system to meet the specific requirements of a device or use case, which is done by adding or removing features, and configuring applications, drivers, security elements, and user interfaces to optimize the device’s performance, functionality, and usability.
As a software engineering leader at Arrow, I’m passionate about our Windows IoT Custom Image Development Services and the advantages it delivers. Our unique offering enables us to craft individual solutions that enhance product performance and streamline your development process. Our experienced team can boost your product’s capabilities, from branding and customer experience to security and performance optimization. We also offer system recovery, out-of-box experience enhancements, and system management tools. Building a custom Windows IoT image can give your appliance the right balance of performance, security, and features while eliminating unnecessary components for a more seamless hardware/software experience. This can minimize overall costs and enable you to provide a smoother, scalable user experience without exceeding budget.
Windows IoT custom image development offers several key benefits, including:
- Enhanced Security: Lock down access and enable advanced security features like Windows Defender Application Control and custom Windows Firewall rules. These features protect devices from unauthorized access and potential breaches, control network traffic, and reduce the risk of malware and other malicious software.
- Faster Performance: Optimize power consumption and processing power with customized power plans, Group Policy Objects, and ReadyBoot configuration to help ensure your devices run smoothly and efficiently, maximizing their lifespan and reliability.
- Custom Branding: Help ensure your devices stand out with tailored branding and intuitive user experiences, from modified Windows shells to custom Start layouts. Custom branding aims to offer your users a seamless and personalized experience.
Advanced levels of customization include options like Windows Update control, Adaptive Hibernate settings, Unified Write Filter for system protection, and custom recovery options if deemed necessary for your appliance or installation environment.
Here’s how our team at Arrow works together with customers on Windows IoT image customization:
- Technical Intake Call: Our first step involves gathering requirements and understanding the project scope.
- Statement of Work (SOW): The Arrow Engineering team documents agreed objectives, deliverables, and responsibilities to help ensure alignment and successful implementation.
- Image Development: The Arrow team develops the custom image per the agreed requirements, using industry-leading tools to help ensure it meets your specific performance, security, and compatibility needs.
- Sign-Off and Delivery: A structured sign-off and delivery process is tailored to your project and aligns with implementation requirements.
The Arrow team has extensive experience building images that serve various vertical markets. We can customize solutions to serve a wide range of use cases. Here are some examples:
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Sector |
Key Requirements |
Solutions |
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Public Sector |
Security and Compliance |
DoD STIG Compliance: Help ensure your devices meet the stringent Department of Defense Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG) requirements. |
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CIS Benchmark: Develop images that adhere to the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks, providing robust security configurations and mitigating risks associated with cyber threats. |
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Retail |
Efficiency and Customer Experience |
Support Kiosk Modes: Enable kiosk modes to streamline customer interactions, reduce wait times and enhance service efficiency. |
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Brand Customization: Integrate your brand into the user interface, providing a consistent and immersive customer experience across all touchpoints. |
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Industrial |
Reliability and Performance |
Performance Optimization: Optimize the operating system for specific industrial applications to help ensure high performance and reliability. |
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Power Management: Implement power management settings to maximize energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve sustainability. |
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Healthcare |
Security, Compliance, and Efficiency |
Enhanced Security: Incorporate advanced security features to protect sensitive patient data and help ensure compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA. |
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System Recovery and Management: Include system recovery options and management tools to minimize downtime and maintain critical healthcare services. |
Arrow’s technical and engineering expertise and best-in-class processes help accelerate the development of secure, purpose-built images that suit your needs and installation environments.
Outsourcing your Windows IoT image development to our team means working with experts who understand your challenges and deliver solutions to drive your success.
Contact our Intelligent Solutions team to get started: intelligentsolutions@arrow.com
