Microsoft has formed an embedded systems alliance with several semiconductor makers in a bid to attract additional support for its next-generation Windows CE operating system, codenamed Talisker.

Members of the Windows Embedded Strategic Silicon Alliance will get access to source code for Windows CE 3.0, which is aimed at wireless devices such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants.

The initial members include ARM, Agere Systems, (formerly Lucent Technologies Microelectronics Group), Toshiba, Texas Instruments, Hitachi, NEC and Intel.

The announcement was made at the first day of Microsoft's Windows Embedded Developers Conference, which is taking place in Las Vegas this week. During his keynote, Microsoft president and chief executive Steve Ballmer admitted that the software giant had entered the embedded market "in fits and starts", but reaffirmed its commitment to the sector.

"We started with DOS, then Windows and then CE, but we just didn't have the passion and commitment [for the embedded space] that characterised our success in other areas," he said.

Microsoft also unveiled board support packages, which are expected later this spring. Targeted at original equipment manufacturers, these are pre-configured and pre-tested software packages that are combined with Windows CE hardware reference platforms.

Silicon vendors will also be able to include an evaluation copy of Platform Builder 3.0, the Windows CE 3.0 toolkit, and a run-time licence with their boards.