Compliance and Enterprise Deployment

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration and content management. His 25-plus years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology... more

For new PCs, most large organizations license Windows 7 Professional through a PC manufacturer. To upgrade older PCs to Windows 7, organizations should usually purchase Windows 7 Professional Upgrade licenses through volume licensing. When bought through these two channels, Windows 7 Professional delivers important rights for deploying standard PC configurations, managing PCs centrally, and supporting mobile users. It also permits purchase of Software Assurance (SA), which offers additional benefits. Windows 7 Professional also delivers technical capabilities for security, deployment, and remote access that most organizations will require. (See the chapter “Choosing an Edition“.)

Licensed with PC in Most Cases

Like earlier versions, Windows 7 uses a per-device licensing model that generally allows only one OS installation per device, used by a single person at a time. In most cases, the most practical way for business customers to buy the OS license is through a hardware manufacturer when purchasing a new PC.

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