A Reseller ’s Guide to

Proper Windows® Licensing

Learn how to:*correctly license Windows software

*resolve mislicensed situations

NEW!

Top 10 Things You Should Know About Genuine Windows Software

1. Full Windows LicenseEach PC must have an underlying full Windows desktop license that can be purchased one of two ways—preinstalled from the PC manufacturer or purchased at retail.

2. Volume Licensing• Volume Licensing (VL) for Windows Client operating system (OS) are upgrade licenses only and require a full qualifying underlying operating system. • Product List: www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/PL.aspx

3. Full Qualifying Underlying OSCommercial VL customers cannot purchase PCs with Windows Home or Starter edition and then use their VL Agreement to upgrade to Windows Vista® Business or Ultimate.

4. Volume ActivationActivation is a required aspect of deployment for customers running the VL image of Windows Vista and Windows 7.

5. Volume Activation Methods• Key Management Service (KMS) for customer-hosted local activation and Multiple Activation Key (MAK) for activation with Microsoft®.• More info: www.technet.com/volumeactivation

6. ComplianceDiscuss proper licensing with customers to avoid mislicensing issues and to help ensure your customers’ Windows desktops are compliant. When non-genuine situations arise, use Windows Legalization Solutions to resolve them.

7. Legalization Solutions• Get Genuine Windows Agreement (GGWA) is for VL customers to correct underlying mislicensed or non-genuine versions of Windows.• Get Genuine Kit (GGK) is for all customers to correct non-genuine versions of Windows. • Solutions List: www.microsoft.com/piracy/knowthefacts/Legalization.aspx

8. Partner Benefits for Selling Legalization• Develop deeper relationships with your customers as a trusted advisor.• Increase annual revenue through the sale of Windows Legalization offers. • Increase customer awareness of proper licensing.

9. Ordering GGWA• A minimum of 5 licenses is required.• A pre-signed agreement is required with GGWA-LO (found at https://www.explore.ms).• A non-signed commitment is required with GGWA-SMO or GGWA-A.• GGWA-SMO is on the Open Price List. GGWA-A is on the Academic Open Price List and GGWA-LO can be found at https://www.explore.ms.

10. Partner Resources• Get Genuine Windows Agreement - https://partner.microsoft.com/ggwa• Legalization - www.microsoft.com/piracy/knowthefacts/Legalization.aspx

ContentsWindows Licensing Overview • How to Properly License Windows 3

• Volume Licensing (VL) Agreements 4

• Windows Volume Activation

• Windows OS Piracy Types 5

• Identifying Customers at Risk 6

• Legalization Solutions 7

• Customer Scenarios 8

Large Account Resellers (LARs) & Resellers 9 • Know Your Customers • Talk to Your Customers About Windows Legalization Solutions • Close the Deal 10

Take Aways 11

Qualifying Windows OS for Volume Licensing Agreements 12

Resources 13

E-mail : LegitOS@microsoft.com

for questions on this guide#

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How to Properly License Windows

What you absolutely need to know: Customers must acquire a full version of the OS first to be eligible for a Windows Volume Licensing Agreement.

The most cost-effective way for a customer to obtain a Windows OS license is pre-installed on a new system by a PC manufacturer.

Each PC needs its own full license. To be properly licensed and receive technical support and updates, customers must have a full underlying license for all software installed on each PC.

There are two ways to legally acquire the initial full license of Windows: 1. Pre-installed on a PC through a PC manufacturer—the most cost-effective way to get a genuine Windows license on a new PC.

2. As full packaged product from retail.

VL Agreements cover Windows software UPGRADES ONLY. Windows upgrades are designed to upgrade previously acquired qualifying licenses. This means customers must first have the full license for a qualifying underlying operating system for each PC before they install the upgrade.

Qualifying Underlying OS for VL Agreements. Windows Home and Starter editions do not qualify as the full underlying OS for Commercial customers (non-Academic) who are using a Windows VL Agreement.

If you discover Microsoft Partners violating Microsoft’s licensing terms, report them!

E-Mail: piracy@microsoft.com

Call: Microsoft Anti-Piracy Hotline at (800) RU-LEGITSTOP

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Windows Volume Licensing (VL) AgreementsA Volume Licensing Agreement is a flexible and economical way for companies to acquire multiple licenses for software.

Windows Volume Licensing Agreements:

• Provide upgrade rights only and do not cover the initial full qualifying underlying OS.

• Require a full qualifying* underlying OS to be installed on each machine before the upgrade is installed.

• Do not accept Windows Home or Starter editions as the full qualifying underlying OS, except for Academic institutions.

* See Table 1 on page 12 for a complete list of Windows versions that are eligible to use a Windows upgrade under Volume Licensing.

Windows Volume ActivationKey facts to know about Windows Volume Activation:

• This infrastructural solution manages activation in the enterprise for Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008® (R2), and Microsoft Office® 2010.

• Volume Activation is a required aspect of deployment and is executed by IT Professionals as part of deployment.

• Volume Activation requires no dedicated resources and is end-user transparent.

• Data sent to Microsoft as part of activation is not traceable back to the computer or individual end user.

• There are two methods for activation: Key Management Service (KMS) for customer-hosted local activation and Multiple Activation Key (MAK) for activation with Microsoft.

• Product keys (KMS–default and MAK–customer requested) are grouped and capable of activating multiple editions, including down-level OS (i.e. Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008).

More information is available at www.technet.com/volumeactivation

*»

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KMS

MAK

cont ’d »

Windows Volume Activation cont’dWhy is Windows Volume Activation important for your customers?

Assurance—Protects against counterfeit, provides confidence that the software is genuine, and delivers all Windows capabilities.

Manageability—Avoids key leakage and the need to reactivate deployed systems and integrates into deployment processes and tools.

Supportability—Ensures full Microsoft/partner technical assistance and requires low deployment/management effort.

License Compliance—Helps to confirm license compliance and avoid penalties, reputation damage, and business interruption and provides access to upgrades (Enterprise Edition) and contract options.

Windows OS Piracy TypesSo how can you tell if customers are mislicensed?Below is an overview of the different types of Windows OS piracy.

Mislicensed Software

• Purchased PCs without an OS pre-installed or with Linux, FreeDOS or OOS (other operating system) installed, and then used a Microsoft VL Agreement to install the full Windows desktop operating system.

Version Piracy

• Purchased PCs with Windows Home Premium, Home Basic, or Starter editions and then used a VL Agreement to upgrade to Windows Business or Windows Ultimate.

• Purchased PCs with Windows Home edition or Starter edition and then used a commercial VL Agreement to upgrade to Windows Professional.

cont ’d »

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GGWA

GGK

GGWA

GGK

to leg

alize

use:

Windows OS Piracy Types cont’d

Pirated Software

• Installed Windows software using leaked or stolen Volume License Keys (VLKs).

• Downloaded software online or from unknown or counterfeit sources.

• Attempted to save costs by doing in-place motherboard upgrades without acquiring new Windows licenses on those PCs.

• Purchased from an OEM that used a single license on multiple PCs (called hard disk loading).

Identifying Customers at RiskThe best way to prevent piracy from occurring is to KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS!

Some scenarios that are risk factors and can be identified during customer engagements are:

• Recent merger/acquisition.

• Companies with subsidiaries in high-piracy countries.

• Inconsistent purchasing history.

• History of poor enforcement of asset management and weak IT enforcement.

Then what should I do?

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GGW

AGGOK

WGA

to leg

alize

use:

Windows Legalization SolutionsMicrosoft offers a variety of Windows Legalization Solutions to address all customer types, from customers who want to purchase online to Enterprise customers who want to purchase when renewing their agreements. Listed below are the different solutions and their corresponding audiences.

GGWA–Volume Licensing

GGWA-LO (Large Organizations)–Volume Licensing for large organizations

GGWA-SMO (Small and Medium Organizations)– Volume Licensing for small and medium organizations

GGWA-A (Academic)–Volume Licensing for academic institutions only

GGK–Licensing purchased from OEM channel for all customers

GGOK (Get Genuine Online Kit)–Windows 7 licensing purchased online for home consumers and small businesses

WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) Kit–Windows XP and Windows Vista licensing purchased online for home consumers and small businesses

FPP (Full Packaged Product)–licensing available at retail for all customers

helpful scenarios- next page

rem

embe

r th

ese!

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Windows Legalization Solutions cont'd

ScenariosCUSTOMER SCENARIOS SOLUTIONS

VL customer has non-genuine/no OS or Linux as the underlying license on machines.

VL customer has Windows Home or Starter as the underlying license on machines.

VL customer merged with or acquired a company that has non-genuine/no OS or Linux on machines.

VL customer merged with or acquired a company that has Home or Starter on machines.

Academic customer has non-genuine/no OS or Linux as the underlying license on machines.

Customer wants to purchase Genuine Windows solution with their identity not known to Microsoft.

Customer has a non-genuine version of Windows on a single machine.

GGWA-LO GGWA-SMO

GGWA-LOGGWA-SMO

GGWA-LO GGWA-SMO

GGWA-A

GGK

GGK

FPP is an option for every solution above. However, it is not the most cost-effective solution.

For more information, please visit: www.microsoft.com/piracy/knowthefacts/default.aspx

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GGWA-LOGGWA-SMO

NO

TE

Large Account Resellers (LARs) & ResellersWhy is this important for you?

+ Develop deeper relationships with your customers by becoming a trusted advisor, which may result in helping to identify other needs for solutions and services.

+ Increase annual revenue through the sale of VL Windows Legalization Solutions.

+ Increased customer awareness of the terms and conditions of their VL Agreement, preventing future instances of mislicensing and version piracy.

Follow these 3 easy steps to identify and resolve Windows licensing problems with customers.

1 Know your CustomersCustomers want to do the right thing, but some are just unaware of the facts. Discuss proper Windows licensing with your customers when you are:

• Starting a new deal.

• Renewing a deal.

• Truing up a deal.

• Conducting a SAM engagement.

If you discover your customers are not properly licensed, go to step 2.

2 Talk to your customers about Windows Legalization SolutionsDiscuss with your customers the ideal Windows Legalization Solutions for them based on their situations. Then, explain to customers the benefits of purchasing Windows Legalization Solutions, including:

• Reducing downtime from system failures and security breaches.

• Reducing the organization’s potential non-compliance risk.

• Improving the organization’s growth and profitability.

• Possibly achieving decreased operating costs and increased growth and competitive advantages.

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LARs & Resellers cont’d

3 Close the DealOutlined below is an overview of the ordering and fulfillment process for Windows Legalization Solutions.

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*

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Solution* Ordering Process

Microsoft VL Customers (minimum 5 licenses) GGWA-LO One-time only order, no re-orders allowed.

1. Requires a pre-signed agreement that includes an audit clause that LAR downloads from https://www.explore.ms.2. LAR confirms pricing with Microsoft Account Manager andpresents agreement to customer, who reviews, signs, and returns to LAR with quantity required.3. LAR submits agreement to appropriate Microsoft Regional Operations Center, which activates the agreement and processes the order.4. Customer and LAR receive e-mail and copy of agreement.

GGWA-SMO

Re-orders allowed through the agreement term of two years. 1. Reseller gets copy of Get Genuine Addendum for customer from distributor.2. Reseller orders from an authorized Microsoft OEM distributor, who orders from Microsoft.3. Electronic licenses posted on eOpen/VLSC where customer accesses directly.4. Physical licenses are sent in Welcome Pack to distributor to reseller to customer.

GGWA-A Re-orders allowed through the agreement term of two years.1. Microsoft Authorized Education Resellers purchase licenses from Academic Open Price List.2. Implies a non-signed commitment to buy legal going forward.3. Sells through Open License for Academic program.

Consumer & Small/Medium Business

WGA/GGOK Purchase online direct from Microsoft after failing Windows Activation Technology validation.

GGK Resellers order from an authorized Microsoft OEM distributor.

For ordering and fulfillment process, installation, IT system changes, or agreement addendum information, visit http://partner.microsoft.com/ggwa

* See page 7 to identify the correct solution.

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Discuss the proper licensing terms for Windows desktop software with VL customers.

Determine the customer’s licensing position and complete license renewal.

Identify customers who may be non-compliant.

Educate them on proper licensing practices and discuss the value of Genuine Windows software.

Review Legalization Solutions available to them if their organization needs to become compliant.

Purchasing pre-installed Windows desktop operating systems is the most economical method for your customers, provides them with confidence and security that they are licensed properly with genuine software, and maximizes uptime with their product deployment and activation.

Recommended Process (begin a few months BEFORE license renewal).

Take Aways

Customers want to do the right thing, but some are just unaware of the facts. Genuine Windows saves customers time and money and reduces security risks and legal liability.

FACTRemember, as a Microsoft Partner

you agreed to the following:

Per Section 4(e)(2) of the Microsoft Partner Program Agreement; Company will not engage or participate in the unauthorized manufacture, duplication, delivery, transfer or use of counterfeit, pirated, unlicensed or illegal software or other Microsoft Materials. Company will not otherwise infringe any of Microsoft’s intellectual property rights. Company must reasonably cooperate with Microsoft and its Affiliates in the investigation of counterfeit, pirated, unlicensed or illegal software and other Microsoft Materials. Company must promptly report to Microsoft any suspected counterfeiting, piracy or other copyright infringement in computer programs, manuals, course material, marketing materials or other copyrighted materials owned by Microsoft or its licensors.

Qualifying Windows OS for Volume Licensing Agreements—Table 1

This table details the Windows desktop licenses that are eligible to use a Windows upgrade under Volume Licensing.

Note: ‘N’, ‘K’, and ‘KN’ are specialized editions available to certain markets.

For the most current view of the Microsoft product list, visit www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/PL.aspx

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*

Qualifying Operating Systems

New Enterprise

Agreement/Open Value - Company

Wide Option

Existing Enterprise

Agreement/Open Value - Company

Wide Option

Select(All except academic)

Open(All except academic &

Open Value - Company

Wide Option)

Academic

Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)

Enterprise (N,K, KN)* YES YES YES YES YES

Professional (N, K, KN, Diskless) YES YES YES YES YES

Ultimate YES YES YES YES YES

Home Premium NO NO NO NO YES

Home Basic NO NO NO NO YES

Starter Edition NO NO NO NO YES

Windows Vista (32 bit or 64 bit)

Enterprise (N, K, KN) YES YES YES YES YES

Business Blade (N, K, KN, Blade) YES YES YES YES YES

Ultimate YES YES YES YES YES

Home Premium NO NO NO NO YES

Starter Edition NO NO NO NO YES

Windows XP (32 bit or 64 bit)

XP Professional, (N, K, KN, Blade) YES YES YES YES YES

XP Tablet Edition (N, K, KN, Blade) YES YES YES YES YES

XP Home Edition NO NO NO NO YES

XP Starter Edition NO NO NO NO YES

Other

Windows 2000 Professional YES YES YES YES YES

Windows NT Workstation 4.0 YES YES YES YES YES

Windows 98 YES YES YES YES YES

Apple Macintosh YES YES YES YES YES

ResourcesPartner external sites:Get Genuine Windows Agreementhttps://partner.microsoft.com/ggwa

Partner Activationhttps://partner.microsoft.com/global/40049176?PS=95000124

Gear Up | Sales Toolkitwww.ms-gearup.com/etoolkit Note: Microsoft Licensing is located in the last section of the Toolkit.

Microsoft Financingwww.microsoftfinancing.com

Customer-facing sites:Legalizationwww.microsoft.com/piracy/knowthefacts/Legalization.aspx

Microsoft Genuine Softwarewww.microsoft.com/genuine/

Microsoft Volume Licensingwww.microsoft.com/licensing

Piracywww.microsoft.com/piracy/default.aspx

Volume Activationwww.technet.com/volumeactivation

Microsoft Financingwww.microsoft.com/licensing/financing/default.mspx

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NOTES:

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