MS Operating System Licensing

Licensing:

• A business arrangement in which one company gives another company permission to use its product for a specified payment.

Operating system:

Journey of windows OS:• WINDOWS 1 (20 November,1985)

• WINDOWS 3.0 (1 August,1990)

• WINDOWS 98 (25 June,1998)

• WINDOWS 2000 (15 Dec,1999)

• WINDOWS XP (25 Oct,2001)

• WINDOWS VISTA (13 March,2006)

• WINDOWS 7 (5 October,2009)

• WINDOWS 8 (available in 2012)

Microsoft licensing types:

OEM licensing:

• Between an OEM and End user.

• OEM license is available to PC manufacturers.

• Two Types of OEMs:

• System Builders: Purchase Microsoft software indirectly (through Authorized OEM Distributors or Resellers)

• Direct OEMs: Have a direct licensing relationship with Microsoft and purchase Microsoft software directly from Microsoft

OEM benefits:

• Sold by large PC Manufacturers• OEM Fully supports the customer, so any issues with the hardware or software, you need

to call the OEM• Can also be purchased by System Builders, once system builder "breaks the seal" they are

responsible for the support and EULA T&Cs• Full version only, no upgrades• Must be pre-installed by the OEM or System Builder in the case of Desktop OS and

Desktop Applications, Server OS is optional pre-install• Product Activation is required either on the web or over the phone• Both Windows and Office can be enrolled into Software Assurance within 90 days• OEM has restrictive rights, no transfer, no re-assignment, limited downgrade*• OEM Software licenses Live and die with the hardware

OEM downgrade rights for win 7:

End of sale of OEM OS:

Full Packaged Product (FPP):

• Full Packaged Product (FPP): Provides the full-version or upgrade retail software license

FPP benefits:

• Sold by retail outlets

• Supported directly by Microsoft

• Typically 1 box = 1 license

• Manuals, End User License Agreement and CD/DVD in the box

• Full Version, Upgrades available

• Product Activation is required either on the web or over the phone

• Windows Desktop OS can be enrolled into SA, Office CANNOT be enrolled into SA

• FPP can be transferred and re-assigned

Windows Vista &Versions:

• Starter

• Home Basic (N) - ~ $199

• Home Premium - ~ $239

• Business (N) - ~ 299

• Enterprise

• Ultimate - ~ $399

• ** Starter has no 64 bit support.

WINDOWS 7 LICENSING:

Versions & Editions

• Simplified Edition List• Windows 8• Windows 8 Professional• Windows 8 Enterprise• Windows 8 RT (RunTime)

• Basic, Home, Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate are gone!

Thanks