Siemens, Microsoft To Co-Operate

Siemens AG and Microsoft Corp yesterday signed a letter of intent to develop a range of non-computer products based on the software giant's Windows CE software. Siemens chief executive Heinrich von Pierer said the agreement was "a milestone in establishing innovative industrial solutions on a broadly available operating system." Windows CE is a slimmed-down version of the Windows operating systems for personal computers. As part of the pact, Siemens also committed to using Windows NT, Microsoft's high-end operating system, for corporate computer systems. "The announcement today extends the usage of Windows NT and Windows CE in industrial solutions, based on the experience of Siemens in industrial systems," Microsoft chief executive Bill Gates said.