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Directions is an independent and trusted source of information and training on Microsoft licensing programs and rules. Our Microsoft licensing guides, webinars, and two-day Microsoft Licensing Boot Camps equip you with the critical knowledge you need to make smarter decisions about your company's Microsoft software investments.
| Licensing Windows 7 for PCs |
| Wednesday, 29 February 2012 |
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This report summarizes Windows 7 licensing rules and purchase options for conventional desktop architectures. Issues arise because most customers initially obtain Windows client licenses from their PC hardware manufacturer rather than directly from Microsoft, as is the case with other products. Microsoft has also chosen to offer a variety of special use rights to Software Assurance (SA) customers only. This complicates the decision of whether to purchase SA, which can be costly but which also delivers a special Enterprise edition of Windows 7 with extra management and other capabilities, as well as support and training services. INTRODUCTION The Windows client OS remains Microsoft's most widely used software and consequently weighs heavily in any organization's licensing decisions. Windows 7 generally follows a per-device licensing model: The PC where it runs requires a license. While simple in theory, there are many license acquisition and compliance issues unique to Windows 7. Issues arise because most customers initially obtain Windows client licenses from their PC hardware manufacturer rather than directly from Microsoft, as is the case with other products. Microsoft has also chosen to offer a variety of special use rights to Software Assurance (SA) customers only. This complicates the decision of whether to purchase SA, which can be costly but which also delivers a special Enterprise edition of Windows 7 with extra management and other capabilities, as well as support and training services. Because new PCs generally come with Windows, Microsoft volume licensing programs play a smaller role for Windows than they do for other products, such as Office. However, some Windows-related purchases are best made through these programs, and choosing the right program can help organizations strike the right balance between cost, commitment levels, compliance, and payment structures. What's Ahead This report summarizes Windows 7 licensing rules and purchase options for conventional desktop architectures in which Windows 7 runs on each user's desktop computer or laptop. It is part of a larger series of reports on Windows 7 licensing that will also cover virtual desktop infrastructures (VDIs) in which users remotely access Windows 7 running on servers. Windows 7 has a special set of licensing rules related to VDIs, which can significantly affect purchasing decisions compared to conventional desktop architectures. (See the illustration "Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Windows 7".) This report includes the following chapters:
Charts & Illustrations included in this Report:
This 20-page Report Contains [12,960 words]. Join to read the full report |