Create an Efficient and Reliable IoT Environment

Advantech is a Leading

Global IoT Software

Distributor


Discover our solutions

Advantech provides complete IoT solutions that help customers integrate Advantech hardware and/or software products for distribution. We support the most popular open source projects and leading technologies in an effort to provide the best software solutions. Likewise, we offer Microsoft Windows Embedded OS, Ubuntu, McAfee Security, and Acronis Backup and Recovery for use in embedded systems that require augmented security. This combination of solutions and services meet specific design requirements for data and devices in embedded applications.



Benefits of buying licensing software from Advantech

Your trusted software partner

Products

PRODUCTS

Windows Embedded is a series of customizable operating systems for embedded computers. It can expand Windows and cloud computing to the world of special equipment while helping equipment manufacturers shorten their time to market. Advantech helps customers cultivate cost-effective, tailor-made solutions according to their individual requirements.

Microsoft and Advantech, an authorized Microsoft Global Distributor and IoT Valued Partner are ready to serve you with our total solutions for the IoT era. We are pleased to announce our support of the newly released Microsoft IoT Solution with Microsoft Azure cloud services. With Microsoft IoT Solution, your business can be transformed quickly and easily, connecting intelligent devices, activating sorted data in the cloud, and enjoying fast, customized analytic tools with Azure.

Ubuntu is the world’s number one desktop Linux operating system. As the expansion into IoT continues, Ubuntu empowers applications in robotics gateways, self-driving cars, drones, and consumer electronics alongside other diverse applications. Advantech Ubuntu services guarantee long-term after-sales service and support for both IoT devices and Ubuntu OS updates.

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WISE-DeviceOn is an IoT management platform that manages connected devices remotely and provides centralized management features. It empowers IoT application architecture by connecting to sensors, gateways, edge computers, the cloud, and other devices. Its fast and simple setup helps provide instant intelligent edge onboarding, data acquisition, and status visualization.

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Whitelisting solutions are suitable for 99% of embedded devices. Indeed, built-in application whitelisting and change control technology is capable of locking devices while protecting against unauthorized malware and changes that take systems offline. Integrating security within your device enables you and your customers to stay compliant and avoid incidents that can result in high maintenance and service costs.

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Please note:

McAfee solutions are only available

as pre-installation service.

  • Economy: Reduce expensive and disruptive downtime costs
  • Hassle-free installation and configuration process: Even though you may not be an IT expert, you can restore an entire system via an intuitive guide
  • Flexibly backup and store data: Provide incremental and differential backups or backup the whole system, selected disks/partitions, or changes only.

Windows Embedded is a series of customizable operating systems for embedded computers. It can expand Windows and cloud computing to the world of special equipment while helping equipment manufacturers shorten their time to market. Advantech helps customers cultivate cost-effective, tailor-made solutions according to their individual requirements.

Windows Server IoT
  • Aggregate data from a large number of ‘things’
  • Store and analyze very big databases to discover valuable business insights
  • Enhanced security capabilities
  • Leverage Azure IoT hosting containers managed by Azure IoT Edge
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Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
  • Enhanced user experience with Win32 and UWP apps
  • Same deployment, manageability, and servicing as desktops
  • Familiar interface with lockdown features to control user experience
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Windows 11 IoT Enterprise
  • The OS now supports Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI (WSLg) enabling GUI apps
  • It supports USB 4 and Wi-Fi 6E for better connectivity
  • It provides a support lifecycle of 36 months from the month of availability
See More

Microsoft and Advantech, an authorized Microsoft Global Distributor and IoT Valued Partner are ready to serve you with our total solutions for the IoT era. We are pleased to announce our support of the newly released Microsoft IoT Solution with Microsoft Azure cloud services. With Microsoft IoT Solution, your business can be transformed quickly and easily, connecting intelligent devices, activating sorted data in the cloud, and enjoying fast, customized analytic tools with Azure.

Microsoft 365
  • Cloud-based subscription service
  • Works across multiple devices
  • 1TB secure cloud storage
  • Real-time co-authoring /real-time everything
  • Monthly updates
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Microsoft Azure
  • Launch Windows Server and Linux virtual machines in minutes
  • App service and web apps create and deploy solutions that scale with your business
  • Azure IoT Hub connects, monitors, and controls millions of IoT assets
  • Powerful, cloud-based Machine Learning builds and deploys predictive analytic solutions
See More
Microsoft Azure Defender For IoT
  • Full asset and risk visibility across entire IoT/OT environment
  • Full dashboard and risk assessment
  • Flexible deployment options — including on- premises, Azure-connected, or hybrid options
See More

Whitelisting solutions are suitable for 99% of embedded devices. Indeed, built-in application whitelisting and change control technology is capable of locking devices while protecting against unauthorized malware and changes that take systems offline. Integrating security within your device enables you and your customers to stay compliant and avoid incidents that can result in high maintenance and service costs.

Please note:

McAfee solutions are only available

as pre-installation service.

See More
  • Economy: Reduce expensive and disruptive downtime costs
  • Hassle-free installation and configuration process: Even though you may not be an IT expert, you can restore an entire system via an intuitive guide
  • Flexibly backup and store data: Provide incremental and differential backups or backup the whole system, selected disks/partitions, or changes only.
Acronis True Image
  • Combining reliable backups with a proven and integrated AI-based defense against ransomware and crypto-jacking attacks
See More
Acronis True Image OEM Version
  • Exclusively for OEM partners
  • Limited Acronis True Image functionality subsets
  • Designed for specific functionality prices to meet OEM needs (no need to pay for unneeded features.)
See More
Acronis Cyber Backup
  • For businesses of all sizes
  • Covers on-premises and remote data
  • Covers private and public clouds, and mobile devices
See More
Acronis Snap Deploy
  • Help users create exact disk images of any standard configuration (including OS, configuration, files, and applications)
  • Simultaneously deploy one image to multiple machines with just one snap
See More
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
  • Simplified on boarding
  • Real-time protection of important documents
  • Centralized patching and management
  • Auto-response to emerging threats
  • Minimal planned and unplanned downtime
See More

Ubuntu is the world’s number one desktop Linux operating system. As the expansion into IoT continues, Ubuntu empowers applications in robotics gateways, self-driving cars, drones, and consumer electronics alongside other diverse applications. Advantech Ubuntu services guarantee long-term after-sales service and support for both IoT devices and Ubuntu OS updates.

See More

WISE-DeviceOn is an IoT management platform that manages connected devices remotely and provides centralized management features. It empowers IoT application architecture by connecting to sensors, gateways, edge computers, the cloud, and other devices. Its fast and simple setup helps provide instant intelligent edge onboarding, data acquisition, and status visualization.

Expert Insights

Free eBook

11 Considerations

When Updating to

Windows 11 IoT

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Free eBook

Migrating to Ubuntu LTS:

Five Facts CentOS Users

Should Consider

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Questions?

Windows Embedded Operating Systems

Windows Embedded

  • What is Windows Embedded?

    Windows Embedded is a series of customizable operating systems for special equipment. Its mission is to expand Windows and cloud computing to the world of special equipment. Windows Embedded can help equipment manufacturers to shorten time to market, and at the same time help customers to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Windows Embedded is applied extensively in tens of thousands of devices in the smart device domain, such as in thin clients, POS terminals, ATMs, kiosks, digital signage, on-board and navigation devices, and industrial, security and medical equipment, and in key industries such as finance, service, retail, industrial automation, medicine, and transportation. Windows Embedded helps build cost-effective and tailor-made solutions according to each customer's specific requirements.

  • Why should I choose Windows Embedded?

    The Windows Embedded product line offers the time-to-market advantage and provides top-notch technologies, tools, and resources that can integrate and speed up the development of next generation devices. It is all under your control. You can easily build the device you need in the way you want, in addition to enjoying the following benefits:

    • Lower development cost
    • Runtime licensing
    • Common source code
    • Intellectual property protectionn
    • Commitment and support for Windows Embedded platform from Microsoft; up to 10-15 years of availability
    • A more complete Eco-system that effectively shortens time to market

  • How do I obtain a Windows Embedded license?

    Step 1 - Evaluation

    • Embedded OEM Customer (OEM) contacts ADVANTECH, Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor.
    • OEM obtains evaluation software or purchases a full version toolkit, if needed, from ADVANTECH.

    Step 2 – Sign CLA

    • OEM Customer signs OEM CLA electronically.

    Step 3 – Development and Testing

    • For FES and POSReady products, ADVANTECH provides the OPK (OEM Preinstallation Kits) for installation.
    • For WES and CE products, OEM completes development of the master embedded image.

    Step 4 – Order License

    • OEM contacts ADVANTECH to order Runtime Licenses and Associated Product Materials (APM).
    • For FES & Server product, key locates on the COA or on a flyer that comes with the COAs.
    • For WES & POSReady & CE product, customer apply product key from Microsoft on first order.

    Step 5 – Distribution

    • Customer manufactures and distributes embedded systems with a Certificate of Authenticity and End User License Agreement as specified in the CLA.

  • Is it possible to purchase an OEM Embedded software license from other OEM manufacturers?

    No. An OEM Embedded software license can only be purchased from Microsoft authorized distributors. An OEM Embedded software license is prohibited from being resold.


Operating Systems

  • Does OEM/Embedded software provide the right of multi-language compatibility? For example, can I purchase the Chinese version of OEM/Embedded software and install it as an English version?

    OEM software does not provide any right of multi-language compatibility, that is, you cannot buy the Chinese version of OEM software and install it as an English version or any other language version. In addition, if a computer that was bought abroad is installed with an English or Japanese version OS, it cannot be freely converted to a Chinese version (except for the Ultimate version).


    However, Windows Embedded provides multi-language compatibility depending on product type and SKU, such as:

    • WES7P and Windows Embedded 8 product family are compatible with multiple languages
    • POSReady 7 allows you to choose up to 5 languages from a list of 36 languages.

  • Is it possible to purchase a new version of OEM/Embedded software but specifically install older versions if a company has new and old specialized devices/machines/equipment at the same time?

    Windows Embedded provides customers with migration rights so that the specialized devices/machines/equipment within an organization can share the same software environment for easier management.


    OEM may distribute Migration Systems to End User with an Image that includes the Prior Software on a temporary basis, and then upgrade those Embedded Systems with an Image containing the Final Software during the migration period. Note the migration period ends 12 months following the delivery of the Migration Systems.

  • Is it possible to install application software which performs desktop functions, in a Windows Embedded operating system?

    "Desktop Functions" means consumer or business tasks or processes performed by a computer or computing device. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, database, scheduling, and personal finance. Desktop Functions may include features and functions derived from the MS Binaries or the Company Binaries.


    If the Embedded System performs Desktop Functions, the Company shall design the Embedded System to ensure that the Desktop Functions meet the following requirements:

    • Desktop Functions must be an integral part of the Embedded Application;
    • Desktop Functions must only be accessed through, and used in support of the Embedded Application;
    • Desktop Functions operate only when used with the Embedded Application.

    In addition, an Embedded System must not be marketed or useable as a general-purpose personal computing device (such as a personal computer) or a multi-function server, or a commercially viable substitute for one of these systems.

  • Is it possible to transfer the OEM/Embedded software from the original machine to another computer/machine/equipment when replacing old specialized devices/machines/equipment?

    No. The OEM/Embedded software "matches the machine to its corresponding rights." It means that the license is always bound with the original computer/machine/equipment. If the original specialized device/machine/equipment is being replaced, the license of the matched OEM/Embedded software will be terminated and cannot be transferred to another specialized device/machine/equipment.

  • Does the license for Windows products become invalid once the extended support expires?

    Windows license remains valid even if the extended support expires. OEM will need to have a valid CLA to continue licensing and distributing our Embedded OS Products.

Server

  • Is a license required for the Windows Server on a virtual PC?

    Even if a virtual PC is used, customers still have to obtain a license for the Windows Server on each virtual machine. The licensing option is described in the previous question.

    • Standard edition: Only two free Windows Server virtual machines can be run on the virtual PC when assigning the end-user license to the physical machine running the virtual PC.
    • Enterprise edition: Four free Windows Server virtual machines can be run on a virtual PC.

  • What is a "Client Access License" (CAL)?

    "Client Access License" (CAL) is the license that grants customers the right to use hardware devices (e.g. computer, PDA, or cell phone) to legitimately connect to the server host for access. In simple terms, if a customer only obtains the legitimate license of server software, but doesn't purchase a "Client Access License" (CAL), their specialized devices/machines/equipment or employees won't be able to connect to a server for access.

  • What is the difference between a Windows Server 2012 R2 license and a Client Access License (CAL)? Why do I need to obtain both?

    Windows Server 2012 R2 license Allows installation and use of the built-in server roles and functions of Windows Server 2012 R2.


    Client Access License (CAL) Users or devices need to obtain a Windows CAL license in order to access Windows Server 2012 R2.


    If only the Windows Server 2012 R2 license is purchased, the client will not be able to access data legitimately. This is why you need to purchase both licenses.

  • The servers in our organization have been upgraded to a newer version. Does CAL also have to be upgraded?

    The version of CAL has to be the same as or higher than that of the server. Older CAL may not be used with newer server software versions.

Certificate of Authenticity (COA)

  • What is a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?

    Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a label that helps to identify genuine Microsoft software. When you purchase Microsoft's Windows Embedded Runtime License, a "COA" label specified by Microsoft for identification of genuine products will be provided. The "COA" label contains a product serial number and has anti-piracy features. OEM customers should purchase the Runtime License for Windows Embedded OS prior to product delivery and affix the "COA" label permanently on an accessible location on the specialized device/machine/equipment. The equipment with the "COA" label indicates that it has installed the genuine Windows Embedded OS. Each piece of the Embedded equipment has its corresponding "COA" label for authentication.

  • Why should I purchase the specialized devices/machine/equipment with the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label?

    The specialized devices/machine/equipment with the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label indicates that the Embedded operating system is installed with legitimately licensed software. The value that you get from choosing genuine software:

    • Keep virus threats at bay: The exclusive features of the Embedded system, such as write filter, can lock and protect the system for effective protection.
    • Ensure stable system operations: Customized operating systems can be developed, providing safer, more constant quality. Genuine Windows Embedded can provide users with higher values.
    • Technical support for development: Genuine Windows Embedded users can rely on the technical support from Microsoft and distributors to help them launch products faster and better.
    • Service support for 10 years or more: Genuine Windows Embedded is perfectly and constantly reliable. It won't leave behind system vulnerabilities after tampering and cracking. Also, it provides timely after-sales support from Microsoft and authorized partners, bringing customers an effective, reliable, and stable user experience.
    • Protect corporate reputation: Genuine Windows Embedded can help you to protect customer's intellectual property and avoid legal risks.

Virtual Machines

Virtual Machines – Windows Server

  • I know Windows Server is not covered under license mobility. Can a customer bring their own image that has applications and middleware on top of Windows Server?

    Even though Windows Server is not covered under license mobility, Volume Licensing customers can still upload their own images containing Windows Server to Azure, if they are bringing it as part of Licensing Mobility for another product that is being brought over. We will charge the Windows Server Virtual Machine rate applicable for such an instance.

  • Does a customer need Windows Server CALs to connect to a Windows Server image that is running on Azure Virtual Machines?

    No. Windows Server CALs are not required for accessing Windows Server running in the Azure environment because the access rights are included in the per-minute charge for the Virtual Machines. Use of Windows Server on-premises (whether in a VHD or otherwise) requires obtaining a separate license and is subject to the normal licensing requirements for use of software on-premises.

  • What are the System Center license requirements for managing Windows Server 2012 instances running on Azure?

    Customers can use the license mobility benefits under Software Assurance to assign their System Center 2012 license to a Windows Server instance running on Azure. A System Center Standard license can be used to manage 2 VM instances; a System Center Datacenter license can be used to manage 8 VM instances.

Virtual Machines – SQL Server

  • How do I license SQL Server in Azure Virtual Machines?

    If you are an end-customer using SQL Server, you can:

    • Obtain an SQL image from the Azure VM marketplace and pay the per-minute rate of SQL Server
    • Install or upload your own SQL Server image using the license mobility benefits under Software Assurance

    If you are a Service Provider with a signed Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) using SQL Server, you can:

    • Obtain an SQL image from the Azure VM marketplace and pay the per-minute rate of SQL Server
    • Install or upload your SQL Server Standard image with Subscriber Access License (SAL) reported via your SPLA

  • How do I license SQL Server within Azure Virtual Machines deployed in an active-passive configuration?

    Each of the Azure Virtual Machines deployed requires licensing for SQL Server. To accomplish this, you can do the following for each virtual machine:

    • Obtain an SQL image from the Azure VM marketplace and pay the per-minute rate of SQL Server
    • Install or upload your own SQL Server image using the license mobility benefits under Software Assurance

  • When using my license mobility benefit to run SQL Server, how large of a compute instance can I run on Azure with a single SQL Server license?

    SQL Server 2012 is licensed per core, which is considered the equivalent to virtual cores in Azure virtual machine instances. The minimum number of cores that can be assigned to a virtual machine instance is 4. This means that Extra Small (A0), Small (A1), Medium (A2), Large (A3), and A6 instances must all be assigned 4 SQL Server core licenses. Extra Large (A4), and A7 instances would need to be assigned 8 SQL Server core licenses.

Virtual Machines – Other Licensing

  • Can customers run Microsoft Office and Windows 7 Client on Virtual Machines using License Mobility for Software Assurance?

    No. Under the Microsoft Product use Rights (PUR), Office and Windows 7 are not licensed to run on Virtual Machines.

  • Can a Visual Studio subscriber run the software licensed under MSDN on Azure Virtual Machines?

    Yes, any current Visual Studio subscriber who has activated their subscription may run most of the software licensed under MSDN on Azure Virtual Machines, providing greater flexibility for developing and testing their applications.

McAfee Embedded Security

  • What is the whitelisting solution?

    The whitelisting method is a security measure that determines, amongst a list of good files, those that are allowed to work, and ensures security with a blacklist method that detects and cleans so-called malware.


    It is possible to protect your system without taking into account the new malware that occurs every day, especially for embedded devices that consist only of specific applications, such as embedded devices. They are a lightweight and optimal solution for embedded device environments where users are not free to add or remove applications.

  • What Is a Zero-Day Attack?

    The term “zero-day attack” is used to describe the threat of unknown or unaddressed security vulnerabilities in software or applications. Thus, attacks that exploit zero-day vulnerabilities often occur without users’ knowledge and can carry hefty costs for organizations in the form of lost productivity, data theft, system downtime, reputational damage, and regulatory actions.



  • What operating systems are supported by McAfee Embedded Control?

    Supported Windows operating systems

    More info here: Link



Acronis Backup and Recovery

  • What is Acronis Active Protection?

    Acronis Active Protection is an advanced ransomware protection technology developed by Acronis. Compatible with most anti-malware solutions, it actively protects all system data, including documents, media files, programs, and even backup files.

  • What is ransomware?

    Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts data or perpetually blocks access, effectively stealing it from you, unless a ransom is paid to decrypt or regain access.



  • Do I need Acronis Active Protection if I already have specialized anti-virus, anti-malware, firewall, and other security software?

    Absolutely, yes!

    • Acronis Active Protection does not require virus signatures updates to detect new and unknown ransomware programs. It protects your system from zero-day attacks.
    • A dedicated Acronis Active Protection module handles all system backups, keeping them safe from unwanted deletion or alteration by malicious software.
    • After an attack is blocked, all encrypted files are automatically restored. Automatic data recovery is possible because of Acronis' unique on-the-fly backup and recovery technology. Most other security software only stops attacks without automatically recovering ciphered data.

  • Will Acronis Active Protection conflict with the other security programs I have installed?

    Third-party security software can operate in parallel with Acronis Active Protection. The software will not conflict with each other for resources or create additional system overhead.



  • What versions of Acronis True Image and Acronis Backup include Acronis Active Protection?

    The following software versions feature Active Protection:

    • Acronis Backup 12.5
    • Acronis True Image 2019 - all editions
    • Acronis True Image 2020 - all editions
    • Acronis True Image 2021 - all editions

  • What operating systems are supported by Acronis Active Protection?

    • Active Protection in Acronis True Image: Windows 7 and later versions, Mac OS X 10.10.5 Yosemite and later
    • Active Protection in Acronis Backup software: PCs running Windows 7 and later versions, and servers running Microsoft Server 2008 R2 and later versions

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