A free Microsoft “Executive Circle” webcast on May 3rd will examine the differences between the Windows Embedded and embedded Linux operating system platforms. The presentation will discuss and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each platform in three specific areas: technology portfolio, total cost of development, and business model alignment, according to Microsoft.

The Windows vs. Linux debate has been going on for years in the enterprise and server arenas, with fierce partisanship on both sides. The controversy spilled over into the embedded market nearly two years ago when an analyst report, partially funded by Microsoft, concluded that Windows Embedded had a 4:1 advantage over embedded Linux in “total cost of development.” Not surprisingly, Linux advocates countered that the report was flawed by outdated and inadequate data, misunderstandings, and unfair assumptions.

More recently, a VDC study published earlier this month found that mobile projects based on Linux took longer, and were less predictable in length, than projects based on various fully supported commercial operating systems, such as Symbian, Palm, and Windows Mobile.

The Executive Circle webcast, presented by Windows Embedded product manager Andreas Penna, is scheduled for May 3 at 10am PDT. Click here to register. Registration requires a free Microsoft .NET Passport.