MICROSOFT SAM LICENSING

Microsoft Windows and Office Licensing:

Three highlighted reasons that Microsoft licensing can be such an issue:

1. Microsoft has some pretty stringent and complicated licensing use rules (EULA – End User License Agreement)
2. Microsoft has built anti-piracy features into its later software releases including Windows XP and Vista, and Office XP, 2003 and 2007. Multiple installs of the same license key Code (used to activate the license), unless Open Business licenses, may result in the license giving activation errors (i.e. will not install/re-install) and may also result in a Microsoft Non-Genuine license message popping up on the PC/Notebook (in this case the software may eventually stop functioning).
3. The BSA has run a radio campaign with substantial monetary incentives.

For these reasons we have to supply legal Microsoft licensing when we supply new Notebooks/PCs/Servers, and have to request it if we re-install one of your Companies Notebooks/PCs/Servers.

Please keep all Microsoft OEM, COEM and Retail licensing in a safe central place, as if lost the associated Desktop/Notebook/Server will immediately become unlicensed according to the Microsoft EULA (End User License Agreement). Please update your Insurance Policy to include all licensing for the associated Desktop/Notebook/Servers.

Microsoft EULA on COEM Licenses:

OEM and COEM licenses live and die on the one PC that it is initially installed on, therefore are licensed to the PC and not the user. These licenses cannot be moved or transferred if the PC is replaced – the software is tied to hardware on the PC. A system built or OEM branded PC needs to be sold with the license. If a customer loses their Windows or Office licenses they will have to buy a new copy and do a clean re-installation of the entire PC with the new package.

Microsoft COEM licensing is the least expensive, but also the least flexible form of Microsoft licensing.

Microsoft XP/Vista COEM Licenses: Can Downgrade Version N-1, Cannot Transfer License to another PC, Outright Purchase

Microsoft Office 2007 COEM Licenses: Cannot Downgrade Version, Cannot Transfer License to another PC, Outright Purchase

You can sell off or donate for BEE (Enterprise or Social Economic Categories) any PCs with the legal Licensing and thereby recover the Microsoft License costs.

Microsoft Office Open Business licensing is more expensive, but is a highly flexible form of Microsoft licensing. Recommended if the budget allows.

Microsoft Office 2007 Open Business License Option: Can Downgrade Version, Can Transfer License to another PC, Outright Purchase, Paper License for easy license management and eliminates possibility of losing the license information as registered with Microsoft.

For more information contact us >>
sales@westech.co.za