I have been getting queries about licensing of Windows 7.
From my knowledge, there are a couple.
For the consumers;
There are a few choices. The cheapest of which is the OEM license.
OEM License
How can you get OEM license?
OEM Licenses are shipped with new hardware you buy. For example, if you buy a Dell machine or a HP, it comes bundled with an OEM License.
If you custom built your machine, you can also ask your system builder, or the shop selling you the hardware components for the OEM license. Yes, you can buy OEM license if you buy major components of a PC.
Are there any caveats?
Well, its a fraction of the retail packages. The only rights you cannot have is, you cannot move the OEM License to another hardware. For example, your HP PC aged out, you custom built a new machine. You cannot reuse your HP OEM License on the new custom built.
Retail License (aka FPP in MS)
How can you get retail FPP license?
Many IT shop sells FPP license. FPP are nicely packed in packaged boxes, unlike the OEM. In Singapore, you can find FPP packages in places like Sim Lim Square, Challenger Superstore, Harvey Norman and Courts. Of course, there are many others.
Are there any caveats?
No. Absolutely not. But of course, 1 machine, 1 license. If your current machine is damaged, you can redeploy the license to a new machine (This is a right that OEM licenses doesn't have).
Do i need a full OS?
Well, if you currently have an OS that qualifies for the upgrade FPP packs, then by all means, buy the Upgrade, its cheaper too.
For companies / small business;
You can choose to license Windows 7 like a consumer. However, there are more savings if you consider getting volume licenses. There are many types of volume licenses for different scenarios. Too many to cover in this simple blog.
I suggest you check out this url -> http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/windows7.aspx
It contains all the information you need to license Windows 7 in volume.
Why is licensing so complex?
Well, lets just say customers want it. In reality, licensing is not complicated. From my understanding where i am working in MS, MS didn't want to complicate licensing. They really want to simply where possible. But situations arises and customers ask for more granular licensing models.
So striking between a fair licensing model to customers of MS, and of course, being a business, MS has to answer to its shareholders too. I'll leave this part out. Just remember, the more granular the licensing gets, the cheaper the options customers get to choose to fit their scenarios.
/Dennis
