Running Office Apps on XPe?

[Gary Bronson]

I found this statement in an earlier thread:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
And don't forget that you will unlikely be able to use XP Embedded devices
the same way you use XP Pro machines (e.g., legally you cannot run Office
apps on XPe).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is this true? I want to setup an XPe machine to run Excel and Word. Can
someone point me to some Microsoft reference that can tell me either way?


Thanks

 

[Bing.Chen]

Dear Gary,


http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=...a=group=microsoft.public.windowsxp.embedded.*

Find articles written by Ravi.


Best Regards,
Bing Chen
2004.05.19

 

[Gary Bronson]

Thanks for the response.

This is what I read:

---------------------------------
XPe is licensed only to run line of business applications
locally, so this precludes you from running Office
locally.

You can use XPe as a Windows-Based Terminal and use RDP
to connect to a W2K/W2K3 Server that is hosting Office
instead. Or, you can turn to XP Professional.
----------------------------------

I believe the term "line of business applications" can cover just about
anything. It seems too broad a statement to be defined as way to preclude
you from running Office locally.

Does anyone know of an official document available from Microsoft that
states that I can or cannot do this?

I planned on running the XPe boxes as a Windows-Based Terminals a couple of
months later when the new Servers were purchased. These units were simply
needed first. I can't go to my client and tell them to buy full blown
desktops and then tell them to by thin clients in a couple of months. I
figured I had the perfect solution for my problem.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Hi Gary

I've just purchased a few XPe thin clients from Neoware (they arrived yesterday) and have no real experience yet. But, a Neoware guy told me a few months ago, that he succeeded in installing a Lotus Notes client on a XPe box. The install was made from the LAN wit a network share
My understanding is that Word or Excel could also be installed the same way (i beleive XPe is a *true* Win32 bit platform); the limit could be the RAM or the flash space (DiskOnModule in Neoware's appliances)

I totally agree with the fact that, as the XPe boxes are more expensive than CE.net ones, for example, we should be able to do more with them, and even, if possible, avoid a Terminal Server

 

[Bing.Chen]

Dear Yan,

The problem is not installing office but the installing behavior is
illegal.


Best Regards,
Bing Chen
2004.05.19

Hi Gary,

I've just purchased a few XPe thin clients from Neoware (they arrived

yesterday) and have no real experience yet. But, a Neoware guy told me a few
months ago, that he succeeded in installing a Lotus Notes client on a XPe
box. The install was made from the LAN wit a network share.

My understanding is that Word or Excel could also be installed the same

way (i beleive XPe is a *true* Win32 bit platform); the limit could be the
RAM or the flash space (DiskOnModule in Neoware's appliances).

I totally agree with the fact that, as the XPe boxes are more expensive

than CE.net ones, for example, we should be able to do more with them, and
even, if possible, avoid a Terminal Server.

 

[Alexander Suhovey]

Garry,
Read this definition:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/howtobuy/xp/license/defemb/default.aspx

So you can use MS Office components only if they are needed for your
embedded application. You might want to contact your local XPE Distributor
for copy of OEM license agreement for embedded systems. It will answer all
your questions.

 

[Robert]

Gary,

If the target machines just need to view documents
created with Office products you can legally install the
Office Viewers.

Robert

 

[Gary Bronson]

All,

Thanks for all your help. I think I have enough information to make a
decision with. If I get any more info I will share it here.

Later,

Gary,

If the target machines just need to view documents
created with Office products you can legally install the
Office Viewers.

Robert