December, 2006
Microsoft Partner Portal Home |
LAR Update
The Microsoft Newsletter for Large Account Resellers


Volume Licensing Updates
Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server and StandardCAL 2007 Promo
This is a competitive promotionfor customers migrating from FileNET products to Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.
Promotional Discount on VS Team Edition for Database Professionals or Team Suite
Visual Studio 2005 Team Edition for Database Professionals delivers a market-shifting database development product designed to manage database change.
Microsoft Office 2007 Product Activation for Volume License Customers
The 2007 Microsoft Office System (Suites and Applications) will continue to use product keys that bypass product activation.
Update: Windows Vista Volume Activation
Microsoft is introducing a set of new technologies with Windows Vista and Windows Server Longhorn, called Volume Activation 2.0. / Licensing Resources for Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System
Prepare for new sales opportunities around the upcoming launches of Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system.
Licensing Solutions Competency – MCP Exam Voucher Promotion
Empower your sales team with increased licensing knowledge and expertise.
NEW!! Volume Licensing Programs Comparison Chart
This chart shows the benefits of each of the Volume Licensing programs to help customers choose the right program for their organization’s needs.
Microsoft Product Licensing Advisor (MPLA) version 2.0 Launches (Partner Microsoft Only)
The Microsoft Product Licensing Advisor (MPLA) is an easy-to-use online resource that can help you find and select Microsoft products.
/ In This Issue
Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server and Standard CAL 2007 Promo
Promotional Discount on VS Team Edition for Database Professionals or Team Suite
Microsoft Office 2007 Product Activation for Volume License Customers
Update: Windows Vista Volume Activation
Licensing Resources for Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System
Licensing Solutions Competency – MCP Exam Voucher Promotion
NEW!! Volume Licensing Programs Comparison Chart
Microsoft Product Licensing Advisor (MPLA) version 2.0 Launches (Partner Microsoft Only)
Other Resources
Microsoft for Partners
Microsoft.com/licensing
Product Use Rights
Product Lists

1

Copyright © 2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, and other Microsoft products are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, in this document. This information is provided to help guide your authorized use of products you license; it is not your agreement. Your use of products licensed under your volume license agreement is governed by the terms and conditions of that agreement. In the case of any conflict between this information and your agreement, the terms and conditions of your agreement control

PLEASE READ

This document contains the latest Volume Licensing information, program enhancements, support tools and Q&A: It is intended for the worldwide authorized Microsoft LARs ONLY and is NOT intended for customer distribution. This document and past editions are available on (*Company registration required)

Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server and Standard CAL 2007 Promo

  • Geography: Worldwide
  • Audience: LARs and Distributors
  • Contact: 13 20 58 (option 5,1)

Summary

This is a competitive promotionfor customers migrating from FileNET products to Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.

Qualifying customers can order promo MOSS SKUs for the discounted price.

  • Applicable Products:
  • Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007
  • Microsoft Office Sharepoint 2007 Standard CAL
  • Promo:
  • 25% off of the L with full SA (e.g., no discount on normal SA price)
  • Valid January 1 - June 30, 2007
  • Programs: EA, Select L&SA, Government L&SA, (not Open or Academic)
  • Languages:
  • English
  • German
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian

Calls to Action

With the recent acquisition of FileNet by IBM and the forthcoming release of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, customers may be wondering whether they should continue to invest in their FileNet deployments or use the new MOSS 2007 technologies for their enterprise content management.

Promotional Discount on VS Team Edition for Database Professionals or Team Suite

  • Geography: Worldwide
  • Contact: 13 20 58 (option 5,1)

Team Suite Upsell + Team Database Professional Launch Promotion

20% off Suite or 10% off Database Professional Role SKU

Summary

Visual Studio 2005 Team Edition for Database Professionals delivers a market-shifting database development product designed to manage database change, improve software quality through database testing, and bring the benefits of Visual Studio Team System and life cycle development to the database professional.

Visual Studio 2005 Team Edition for Database Professionals will begin hitting pricelists in January 2007. As part of the launch of this game-changing tool, we hope to drive additional sales of both the individual SKU and of Team Suite.

Details

  • When: 1 January 2007  30 June 2007.
  • Pricing Levels:All except FPP and Open Licensing (available in Open Value).
  • Get 20% off L+SA or SA StepUp of Visual Studio Team Suite (no qualifying SQL purchase needed).

--OR--

  • Purchase L+SA of SQL Server and get 10% off L+SA of VS Team System Edition for Database Professionals.

Call to Action

  • Use this promotion to move existing or prospective role customers up to Team Suite, based on the increased value proposition of the full Suite package with its addition of the new Database Professional role.
  • Use this promotion to leverage the success of SQL sales and drive incremental Team Edition for Database Professional sales.

FAQs

Q.Why is SQL a qualifying purchase for the Database Pro discount but not for the Team Suite discount?

A.In order to balance our interest in leveraging SQL’s success with some field concern about having the promotion tied too tightly to SQL sales, we decided to remove the qualifying purchase from the Suite discount. This provides added flexibility while also driving customers toward the Team Suite value proposition.

Q. I have heard about a program that will allow existing Team Role licenses (Dev/Test/Arch) to “trade in” their license for a “Team Data” role license. Is this true?

A.Yes. Also, existing Team System Dev, Test, Arch or MSDN Universal/Enterprise customers may elect to transition to the new Database Professional SKU for a limited time (3 months from product launch).

Microsoft Office 2007 Product Activation for Volume License Customers

Summary

This article includes information on the following topics:

  • Office 2007 Applications and Suites will continue to use bypass Volume License Keys (VLKs).
  • There is a new process for some Office 2007 Servers. They will require setup keys for installation.

The 2007 Microsoft Office System (Suites and Applications) will continue to use product keys that bypass product activation. Some 2007 Microsoft Office Server products will need a “Setup Key” during installation.

Products that require a set up key:

Microsoft® Office Forms Server 2007
Microsoft® Office Groove® Server 2007
Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Server 2007 for Search (Standard)
Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Server 2007 for Search (Enterprise)
Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Server 2007 (Standard)
Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Server 2007 (Enterprise)
Microsoft® Office Project Server 2007
Microsoft® Office Project Portfolio Server 2007
Microsoft® Forefront Security for SharePoint
Microsoft® Forefront Security for Exchange Server
Microsoft® Exchange Server Standard 2007
Microsoft® Exchange Server Enterprise 2007

There are 3 ways for customers to obtain their setup keys:

  • Physical fulfillment: the Setup Key is printed on the Media sleeve
  • Download fulfillment:
  • Customers with an Enterprise Agreement/Select License: The setup key will be available on the software download screen on Microsoft Volume License Service (MVLS) with the following text: “Some products available for download require setup keys. Please take note of this setup key as it will be needed during product installation.”
  • Open Customers: Microsoft Exchange Server Standard 2007 and Exchange Server Enterprise 2007 are available for download on
  • Please note: Microsoft Exchange Server Standard 2007 and Exchange Server Enterprise 2007 are currently the only Office Server 2007 products available for download on
  • Call the ActivationCallCenter: Customers can call the ActivationCallCenter to obtain the setup key. The call center rep will request Volume License agreement information and proof of purchase.Find the telephone number for your local Microsoft Activation Center

This information will be posted to the week of December 11th:

Update: Windows Vista Volume Activation

Summary

This article includes information on the following topics:

  • Volume Licensing offerings for Windows Vista have two product keys (Key Management Service & Multiple Activation Key) - Overview
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Call to Action
  • Resources

Volume Activation 2.0

Microsoft is introducing a set of new technologies with Windows Vista and Windows Server Longhorn, called Volume Activation 2.0 designed to protect customer volume license keys, and provide flexible activation options, as well as other customer benefits. There will be no Volume Licensing bypass keys for Windows Vista or Windows Server ‘Longhorn’, and all computers in volume environments must activate, and remain activated, or the functionality will be severely reduced. This feature will change how Windows Vista and Windows Server ‘Longhorn‘ activates, validates as genuine and behaves when tampered. Volume Activation 2.0 will improve security and accounting of Volume Licensing Keys and benefit Microsoft customers by reducing the risk associated with the theft, leakage and illegal use of their Volume Licensing Keys, as well as ensuring that the copies of Windows in an organization have not been tampered.

There are three ways to activate Windows Vista in a volume environment that work for a wide variety of deployment scenarios.

  1. MAK Activation- MAK is targeted for scenarios where customers are less concerned with centralized management, are smaller organizations, or have a large number of users who are not connected to the network. MAK users need to connect to Microsoft once for activation. There are two ways to activate machines using a MAK:
  • MAK Proxy Activation is a highly scalable Enterprise Class solution that enables a centralized activation request on behalf of multiple desktops with one connection to Microsoft.
  • MAK Independent Activation requires that each desktop individually connects and activates against Microsoft.
  1. KMS Activation- KMS is intended for managed environments where users regularly connect to the network. KMS is a centralized service that protects the Volume License Key and automatically activates all clients on the network. We have added many new security and management features that make the KMS option attractive for many customers. To use the KMS, customers must have a minimum of 25 computers running Windows Vista that are connected together. Computers that have been activated through KMS will be required to reactivate by connecting to their organization's network at least every six months.

Volume Activation 2.0 Partner Sales Card

FAQs

Recent Frequently Asked Questions due to customer inquiries. Also, please review the FAQ (available on TechNet):

Q. My customer went to MVLS to get their Windows Vista Volume License Keys and only found their KMS key. How do they get their MAK?

A. On the same web page that their KMS key is listed there is a link that says “Request Multiple Activation Key(s)”. Once they click on this link, they will be taken to a “MAK” page where they can make their request and they will receive their key immediately.

Q. My customer requested a MAK via the online portal (MVLS/eOpen) and received an activation limit associated with their MAK that did not match the amount of licenses they have. Is this correct?

A. MAK activation limits provided to each customer are calculated based on the license agreement and level and do not match the exact license count of each customer. This decision was made as it is believed that most customers will use a mix of KMS and MAK dependent upon their organization's environment and network connectivity. The KMS key has unlimited client activations associated with it. The MAK has a specific amount of activations associated with it, but is still susceptible to piracy. Therefore the activation limit is kept low.

If the customer needs their limit increased, they can call the Activation Call Center and request that the activation limit be increased free of charge.

Q. If a customer needs an increase in their MAK activation limit, what are the steps to take?

A.

  • The customer organization should determine if MAK/KMS and/or a mix of the two is best.
  • As part of the determination, the customer should go to the online portals (MVLS, eOpen) to view the activation limit allocated and if receiving an increase in incremental amounts will work for them. If so, they can go through the standard process of calling the call center
  • If they know they will need a large amount of activations added to their MAK immediately, they can do so via the call center by clearly stating the amount that they need. The call center is trained to help them with this process.

Q. A customer received one KMS key and one MAK associated with their Volume License agreement. They want to deploy Windows Vista Enterprise. Will this key work for Windows Vista Enterprise or only Windows Vista Business?

A. The KMS and MAK work for both Windows Vista Enterprise and the Windows Vista Business Upgrade licenses. There are not separate keys for each product.

Q. Do virtual servers or machines count towards n-count?

A. No, only physical computers are added to the n-count.

Q. Can I use KMS for virtual machines and guest operating systems?

A. Yes, but keep in mind that virtual machines are not counted towards the 25 computer count that the KMS service requires for activating the other Windows Vista client computers in the environment.

Q. Can I use MAK for virtual machines and guest operating systems?

A. Yes. If MAK activation is used then it is subject to the same hardware tolerance meaning if the host machine hardware changes significantly then it might require reactivation.

Q. What is the guidance around virtualized Windows Vista?

A. When the virtual machine is created, it is recommended to run the sysprep /generalize script to reset the product activation timers. Optionally, if you do not want to generalize all computer settings, you can run slmgr-rearm to reset the product activation timers only. This can only be done for a maximum of 3 times.

Call to Action

Take steps to learn about VA 2.0 so you may best help your customers use the Volume Activation 2.0 content posted on the TechNet and Business Desktop Deployment sites (links noted below). The first line of customer support is this documentation. The sales reference card and online training are two good places to start. The planning and implementation process for VA 2.0 is clearly described in the Business Desktop Deployment Guide for customers and partners. Microsoft is also providing support through various Call Centers.

Volume Activation 2.0 – Resources

Partner Materials:

  • Partner Sales Card.Double sided Partner Sales aid that provides an overview on Volume Activation 2.0, Activation Options, a description of Reduced Functionality Mode (RFM), Planning Guidance, Key Partner Messages and Key Takeaways (pdf. Included as part of the newsletter).
  • VA 2.0 Information on the Microsoft Partner Program web site
  • On Demand Partner Training.This online course explains the purpose, features, and benefits of Windows Vista Volume Activation 2.0. By taking this course, partners will understand how volume activation technology helps organizations protect their software investments and allows for more effective control and management of Vista and server ‘Longhorn’ deployment.
  • Partner Learning Center (PLC)
  • Microsoft Partner University (MPU)

Customer Materials:

  • Technical documentation.
  • Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) guide. Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) has changed the face of scaled desktop deployments, providing true end-to-end guidance and automation for large-scale deployment of Microsoft Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system.
  • Windows Vista Technet. Learn how to plan for implementing Windows Vista. This is a collection of Windows Vista Volume Activation 2.0 technical documentation focusing on planning, deployment and operational guidance. It includes the Volume Activation 2.0 Step-by-Step Guide, Volume Activation 2.0 FAQ and other supporting materials.

Licensing Resources for Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System

Summary

Licensing Resources for Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System

Prepare for new sales opportunities around the upcoming launches of Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system. Get vital information about download availability, the new Volume Activation 2.0 feature, and Academic Licensing updates.

Get Ready for Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System

Prepare customers for these groundbreaking software releases. And learn who qualifies to download the software in advance.

Microsoft Volume Activation 2.0

This new feature of Windows Vista and Windows Server Code Name “Longhorn” operating systems lets you better protect and manage customer volume license keys. Learn about flexible deployment options.

Academic Licensing Updates

The releases of the Windows Vista desktop operating system, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and the Microsoft Enterprise Client Access License (CAL) Suite help to increase value and flexibility for Microsoft Campus Agreement and Microsoft School Agreement customers. Learn more about your sales opportunities.