Microsoft Software Assurance

How do I convert Training Vouchers to a Packaged Services voucher?

After the Training Vouchers and Packaged Services benefits have been activated, your Benefits Administrator can increase the service level for your Packaged Services by converting unused training days. This can be done on the Volume License Service Center.

How many days/hours of Packaged Services vouchers will my organization receive as part of our Software Assurance agreement?

The number of days and hours depends on the number of qualifying Office Application licenses and the number of Core CAL suites and Enterprise CAL suites for which Software Assurance is acquired. Please ask your Microsoft Partner or Account Manager or consult the Microsoft Product List for more information.

How do I locate a certified consultant to deliver services?

Packaged Services may be delivered by certified Microsoft Partners or Microsoft Consulting Services. You may select from the list of Qualified Providers here.

Do the Packaged Services include deployment of software?

Desktop Deployment Planning Services, SharePoint Deployment Planning Services, and Exchange Deployment Planning Services deliver pre-determined services that result in a deployment plan; the actual deployment of the software is not included.

Can I use a Desktop Deployment Planning Services voucher to deploy Microsoft Windows, or is it valid only for Microsoft Office?

Yes, you can use a Desktop Deployment Planning Services voucher to deploy Microsoft Windows. The services are designed to help you plan and deploy the full desktop, including Office and Windows.

Can I use a SharePoint Deployment Planning Services voucher for assistance in deploying products other than Microsoft Office SharePoint Server?

No, the SharePoint Deployment Planning Services benefit is only applicable to Microsoft Office SharePoint Server.

Can I use a Exchange Deployment Planning Services voucher for assistance in deploying products other than Microsoft Exchange Server?

No, the SharePoint Exchange Deployment Planning Services benefit is only applicable to Microsoft Office SharePoint Exchange Server.

When is it best to conduct a Business Value Planning Services engagement?

Microsoft designed Business Value Planning Services to assist customers in realizing a greater return on the potential of their existing Office System and IW technology investments. Business Value Planning Services are ideal for when customers are attempting to solve a real business problem with a familiar technology platform, when they need help building a convincing business case for Office System and IW adoption within the organization, and whenever they need analysis and services through a third party.

Who from the organization should participate in a Business Value Planning Services engagement?

Unlike other Packaged Services, BVPS is not a technical engagement. In most cases, the focus of the workshop is a business challenge and the primary attendee(s) are Business Decision Makers (BDMs).

The Microsoft Software Assurance training vouchers benefit is instructor-led technical training provided by Microsoft Certified Partners. It is designed to help IT Professionals and Developers build their technical skills and prepare for deployment of new software. Microsoft Software Assurance e-learning courses provide interactive self-paced training, designed to help employees get more out of using a broad range of Microsoft products.

How do I determine the number of Training Vouchers my organization is entitled to?

The number of days awarded varies by licensing program and the number of qualifying licenses covered by Software Assurance. The minimum number of licenses needed for voucher eligibility varies by program and Software Assurance coverage. For specific information, please consult the Product List.

What happens when the training days for a particular course exceed what our vouchers will cover?

Any course days not covered by the voucher will need to be paid by the person who receives the training.

What happens if the value of our voucher is greater than that required for a particular course?

Any voucher days in excess of the amount of days applied to a particular class will be returned to the pool of days available to be assigned by the Benefits Administrator.

Can the Training Vouchers be applied to any instructor-led training on Microsoft products?

No. The vouchers are only redeemable for days of instructor-led training through Microsoft CPLS, and only for courses available through the Software Assurance Training Vouchers benefit.

If the person registered for the course cannot make it, can he/she send someone in their place?

No. Training Vouchers may only be redeemed by the individual they have been assigned to.

How long do we have to use the Training Vouchers?

The vouchers will expire upon the earlier of

• expiration of Software Assurance coverage, or

• 6 months (180 days) from issue date.

If the voucher is reserved by a Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions prior to the Software Assurance expiration date, it is valid for the remaining time allotted.

If we have already scheduled training, and the course date is after our Software Assurance coverage expires, may we still go to the training?

Yes. If you choose not to renew your license agreement and continue your Software Assurance coverage, you may proceed with taking the training course as long as the course date begins within 180 days following the expiration of your Software Assurance coverage.

Can I integrate any of the E-Learning courses into my Learning Management System (LMS)?

Yes. All courses in the Applications and Systems pools can be integrated into an LMS. You can download SCORM-compliant content from Volume License Service Center or order CDs from your reseller. Courses in the Server pool cannot be integrated into your LMS because they provide virtual labs that must be hosted on the Microsoft Web site. The Server courses are available from Microsoft E-Learning Online.

Are MELL-based courses for Microsoft Office 2003 and Windows XP still available?

Yes. MELL-based courses for Office 2003 and Windows XP are available in all languages that were previously available. You can access the courses from Volume License Service Center.

What is the difference between the Microsoft Software Assurance E-Learning benefit and the Training Vouchers benefit?

Microsoft Software Assurance e-learning courses provide interactive self-paced training, designed to help employees get more out of using a broad range of Microsoft products. The training vouchers benefit is instructor-led technical training provided by Microsoft Certified Partners. It is designed to help IT Professionals and Developers build their technical skills and prepare for deployment of new software.

In what languages are the courses available?

Language availability varies from course to course. A total of 16 languages are included. For more information, go to Microsoft E-Learning Online.

How can I access E-learning content if my organization does not have Internet access?

If your organization does not have Internet access, you can purchase a media kit from your reseller. The content can be integrated into your own SCORM-compliant Learning Management System.

What is the Home Use Program?

The Home Use Program is a Microsoft Software Assurance benefit that is available as part of Microsoft Volume Licensing programs. Through this offering, your eligible employees can acquire Microsoft Office programs and suites, including Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007, to install and use on a home computer during the term of your Software Assurance coverage. Learn more about the Home Use Program benefit.

Why should my organization take advantage of this benefit?

Access to Microsoft Office software at home can provide your employees with greater opportunities to improve their skills, thereby helping maximize the return on your software investment. When employees can use the same Microsoft Office software at home that they use at the office, it can also help boost employee productivity and enhance job satisfaction.

What is my organization’s responsibility under the Home Use Program?

Volume Licensing customers are not responsible for their individual employees’ compliance with the Microsoft Software License Terms for software that employees acquire through the Home Use Program. Those terms are between Microsoft and the individual employees. However, Microsoft does require that you limit Home Use Program access to eligible employees and that you inform employees when they should discontinue use of the software, for example if your Software Assurance coverage ends or an employee is terminated.

What if an employee leaves the company or is terminated?

The temporary license offered through the Home Use Program for Microsoft Office programs is valid as long as the employee is employed by your company and your company maintains its Software Assurance coverage with Microsoft. If an employee leaves the company or is terminated, he or she should discontinue use of the software because the license to use it ends when employment ends. Microsoft requires that Volume Licensing customers limit Home Use Program access to eligible employees and that they inform employees when they should discontinue use of the Home Use Program software.

Will we still have licensing rights to software acquired through the Home Use Program after our Software Assurance coverage expires?

No. If you do not renew your license agreement and extend your Software Assurance coverage, you lose licensing rights to software acquired through the Home Use Program.

My legal department wants to review the terms of the Home Use Program. Where can I find these?

Software Assurance benefit terms are available in the Product List, which is part of your Volume Licensing agreement. The Product List outlines the terms for all of the Software Assurance benefits, including the Home Use Program. The Product List is updated monthly to include new products and offerings.

What do I need to do to offer the Home Use Program to my employees?

Offering the Home Use Program benefit to your employees is easy. All you need to do is have the Benefits Administrator for your Microsoft Volume Licensing contract activate the Home Use Program on the Volume License Service Center. After the benefit has been activated, the Benefits Administrator will receive a product code that eligible employees can use to access the Home Use Program Web site, where they can acquire programs that they can use at home. Go to Volume License Service Center.

My organization would like to distribute Home Use Program media to eligible employees. Is there a way to order more than one copy at a time?

Yes. If you are ordering at least 20 units, you can use the bulk order option to save even more on Home Use Program media. To help ensure proper authorization, your Benefits Administrator must place the order and charge it to a credit card. The information required for placing a bulk order (including enrollment number, program code, and local support team telephone number) is available through Volume License Service Center. Orders can be placed by calling your Volume License Service Center support team.

Whom should I contact if I have questions about the Home Use Program?

Your reseller will be able to assist you with most questions or concerns regarding the Home Use Program.

How can our employees begin taking advantage of the Employee Purchase Program?

Your Benefits Administrator needs to enroll your organization on the Volume License Service Center Web site, and then communicate the benefit and program code to employees. Employees log on to the Employee Purchases Program Web site with their email address, organization name, and unique program code. They may then purchase products. Order the Employee Purchase Program Kit (098-109476).

Can employees buy more than one item at a time?

Yes. Just follow the prompts to “continue shopping” from the Shopping Cart page. The maximum number of EPP licenses that each employee may acquire for any given software title is three.

Will tax be charged on employee purchases?

Yes. The applicable country, state, or provincial tax will be applied to the order. This may include tax on shipping.

Can employees order by telephone?

No. At this time, they can only order online through the Employee Purchase Program Web site.

Is the Employee Purchase Program licensed software eligible for other rebate offers?

No. Software purchased through the Microsoft Employee Purchase Program may not be combined with any other promotions.

Are older versions of Employee Purchase Program licensed software available?

No. The Employee Purchase Program offers only recent versions. Keep in mind that while it is our goal to provide the newest versions, there may be a delay in including them on the Web site.

When will employees receive their orders?

The shipping time frame for each order will depend on various factors, such as the product being shipped and the shipping destination.

What is the return policy?

Microsoft provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for most items from the time the product is received. After 30 days, employees will be required to provide additional information as to why they wish to return the item(s). All Microsoft returns must be in resalable condition and include any accompanying software.

How do employees get technical support on the products they order?

Employees can find support information for Microsoft products at the Microsoft Help and Support site.

What if employees need help installing their products?

Set up and installation support is provided for software purchased through the Employee Purchase Program. Employees should refer to the support documentation included with their product for more information.

How does my IT team access the 24x7 Problem Resolution Support benefit?

Your IT team will need to know your contact number and Software Assurance ID number to access 24-hour support. To access the benefit, call Support Customer Care at (800) 936-3500 (United States and Canada only). For international help, go to the international Help and Support site.

How do I set up a Problem Resolution Request?

To open a Software Assurance (SA) problem resolution request, you must provide the following information: Software Assurance Access ID provided by your organization’s Benefits Administrator; the product edition and version that shows the issue; and authorized contact information. Find more about how to open a Software Assurance problem resolution request.

What are my organization’s support options through the 24x7 Problem Resolution Support benefit?

Problem Resolution Support provides help with issues about specific symptoms that occur when you use a Microsoft product where there is a reasonable expectation that those symptoms are caused by that Microsoft product. Customers with Software Assurance have access to electronic Web-based and Phone-based problem resolution support services. For more information, review the Software Assurance Support site.

How do we transfer incidents to Premier Support?

Your organization’s investment in Software Assurance determines the amount of phone support incidents you are eligible to submit. Your Microsoft Account Manager or Microsoft partner can help you calculate the number of incidents you will receive. Go to the Volume License Service Center to review the number of phone incidents awarded and used daily.

What does TechNet Subscription through Software Assurance include?

TechNet Subscription through Software Assurance provides IT Professionals with three distinct TechNet Plus benefits: TechNet Online Concierge Chat, Managed Newsgroups, and TechNet Plus Direct. All members of your IT Staff have access to TechNet Online Concierge Chat and Managed Newsgroups A single subscription to TechNet Plus Direct is also available to a designated member of your IT Staff.

What is the difference between TechNet Online Concierge Chat, Managed Newsgroups and TechNet Plus Direct?

TechNet Online Concierge Chat provides live, instant-message access to a Microsoft resource that can help you find answers to your IT challenges. TechNet Managed Newsgroups enable IT Professionals to submit technical questions through the TechNet online forums and have guaranteed response and accuracy with the answers provided. The TechNet Plus Direct Subscription through Software Assurance provides one of your IT Professionals with fast and convenient access to all Microsoft full-version commercial software for evaluation, with no time or feature limits; two complimentary† Professional Support incidents—valued at approximately U.S.$900 each; Beta software (the latest releases available prior to public release); E-Learning; and TechNet Plus Library—the latest content, tools, security, user documents, and support Knowledge Base—updated regularly. Eligibility varies by licensing program and the number of Software Assurance agreements for Microsoft server products.

Can TechNet Plus Direct be shared by multiple users?

TechNet Plus Direct is licensed for one person per organization. Benefits cannot be shared. If more than one IT professional in your company would like access to the benefits, you can also purchase TechNet Plus subscriptions for additional IT Pros in your organization through your Volume License agreement. Discuss pricing options with your partner or Microsoft Account Manager.

How does the Cold Backups for Disaster Recovery benefit work?

If a disaster arises, “cold” servers (those that are turned off until an emergency situation requires them to be activated) are moved into production mode so that users can continue to access critical data and applications.

What is a hotfix?

A hotfix is a single cumulative package composed of one or more binaries used to address a change in a product. Hotfixes are designed to address a specific customer situation and may not be distributed outside the customer organization without written legal consent from Microsoft.

How can my organization access the hotfix benefit?

You can get Extended Hotfix Support on selected products at any time during the Extended Support phase for which you have Software Assurance coverage. Contact your Microsoft Support Team to enroll in the Extended Hotfix Support program and sign an agreement (which is an attachment to your Premier or Essential Agreement). The enrollment fee is covered under Software Assurance.

What products does the Extended Hotfix Support benefit cover?

The Software Assurance Extended Hotfix Support benefit covers Microsoft Office Professional, Windows, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (formerly known as Microsoft Operations Manager), Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager (formerly Microsoft Systems Management Server), and Windows Server.

Can Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs function as a general-purpose operating system?

No. Microsoft Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is a small-footprint Windows-based operating system solution designed to work with the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection client or third-party clients, such as Citrix IC It allows for a limited number of workloads to be executed locally, including security software, management software, terminal emulation software, document viewers, and the .NET Framework.

What are the differences between Windows Vista Enterprise and Windows Vista Business?

Windows Vista Enterprise is a premium business operating system that is available exclusively to Microsoft Software Assurance and Enterprise Agreement customers. It is not available from retailers or through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In addition to the security and compliance, infrastructure optimization, productivity, and mobility features that are part of Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise offers distinct business value. It helps businesses protect data with Windows BitLocker™ Drive Encryption, and it offers application compatibility with virtualization and platform interoperability solutions, including the rights to four virtual operating systems and Subsystem for UNIX-Based Applications (SUA). Worldwide deployment provides access to all Windows user interface languages.

How does Windows Vista Enterprise help productivity?

Windows Vista Enterprise is built on the advancements made in Windows Vist Features that improve productivity include the following:

• Windows Aero, a new user interface that offers a visually compelling desktop experience and gives you a greater ability to visualize and work with your information. Windows Aero provides a smoother, more stable desktop experience.

• Instant Search, which is available almost everywhere on the desktop. Search is 80 percent faster than in Windows XP.

• New ways to organize information.

• Improved collaboration and document sharing.

• Enhanced Internet browsing with Windows Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Vista, which offers tabbed browsing, Quick Tabs, and new printing capabilities.

• Safer Internet browsing with Internet Explorer 7 Phishing Filter and protected mode.

• Faster sleep and resume.

• Improved security features, including Windows Firewall and User Account Control.

• Integration with a wide range of hardware and software to enable new innovations that further increase productivity.

• Mobility Center, with features such as Presentation Mode so that you can set a professional desktop background and stop e-mail interruptions during a presentation.

• Tablet PC enhancements, including handwriting recognition and pen navigation. Learn more about Windows Vista Enterprise.

Can I deploy Windows Vista Enterprise on computers that are not covered by Software Assurance?

No. Windows Vista Enterprise is available only to Software Assurance customers. Learn more about the Windows Vista Enterprise Software Assurance benefit.

What unique features does Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption offer?

Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption offers full-volume encryption that is integrated into the operating system. With this integrated solution, page files, crash dump files, hibernation files, temporary files, and system files are encrypted; this is not the case with OEM solutions. Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption is linked with Active Directory, helping ensure that recovery is easier and the solution is more transparent to users.

Do I need special hardware to take advantage of the data protection for my hard disk?

Yes. Your computer must have a v1.2 TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip and supporting BIOS. You can use a USB memory storage device instead of the TPM chip; however, USB memory does not support the secure boot functionality. It is also riskier, because users frequently carry their USB memory storage devices along with their portable computers.

Where can I get more information about data protection in Windows Vista?

More information about security and data protection in Windows Vista is available from the Windows Vista TechNet Center. Visit the Windows Vista TechNet Center.

What does it mean to have licensing rights to four virtual operating systems?

Customers who deploy Windows Vista Enterprise can install up to four copies of the operating system in a virtual machine for a single user on a single device. When paired with Virtual PC (available as a free download), this benefit provides the most economical way to address application compatibility and other scenarios through virtualization. Customers who do not deploy Windows Vista Enterprise and want to use the operating system in a virtual machine must purchase a license for every copy of Windows Vista that is installed in a virtual machine.

In what business scenarios would it be valuable to have rights for four additional operating systems for each user?

The addition of four virtual operating systems is designed to cover a number of customer scenarios. These include:

• Application compatibility. This is valuable if you are migrating to Windows Vista and are running critical older applications that are not compatible with the new operating system.

• Development and testing. Running several operating systems in virtual machines improves efficiency and reduces costs when you are testing and developing applications that run on various operating systems.

• Training. You can set training scenarios on a variety of operating systems.

• Help Desk support. Support technicians can use just one computer to solve problems for multiple operating systems and applications.

• Downgrades. You can exercise your downgrade rights to run several different operating systems within virtual machines with Windows Vista Enterprise as the host.

As a Software Assurance customer with Windows Vista Enterprise, may we also acquire licenses for Windows Vista Ultimate?

Windows Vista Ultimate is not designed for broad enterprise deployment, though it may be useful in conference and training rooms. If you decide you would like to use Windows Vista Ultimate in this scenario, you may obtain a license for Windows Vista Ultimate. One Windows Vista Ultimate key is available for every 100 Windows licenses covered by Software Assurance. If your organization has 599 licenses or fewer, five Windows Vista Ultimate keys are provided.

What is the DVD Playback Pack for Windows Vista?

Windows Vista Enterprise customers may acquire the DVD Playback Pack (priced at U.S.$4.32 per device), enabling playback of DVD, MPEG-2 and 5.1-channel Dolby Digital files. The combination of Windows Vista Enterprise and the DVD Playback Pack provides the most manageable version of Windows coupled with the most suitable media experience for enterprise users.

Will I be able to use Windows Vista Enterprise beyond the expiration of my Software Assurance coverage?

Will I be able to use Windows Vista Enterprise beyond the expiration of my Software Assurance coverage?

What is the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance?

The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) for Software Assurance is a dynamic desktop solution available to Software Assurance customers, which reduces application deployment costs, enables delivery of applications as services, and allows for better management and control of enterprise desktop environments. It enables organizations to manage their software assets, predict and accelerate software deployment and management, and enhance IT responsiveness and end-user uptime. This can help significantly reduce the Total Cost of Ownership of the operating system and the entire application management lifecycle. Visit the MDOP Web site for more information.

What is included in Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance?

There are five key technologies in the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance: Microsoft Application Virtualization and streaming, Microsoft Asset Inventory Service, Microsoft Advanced Group Policy Management, Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset and Microsoft System Center Desktop Error Monitoring.

How does Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance enhance other management solutions available from Microsoft?

Microsoft delivers a robust set of management solutions through SMS, MOM, Remote Installation Services, Intellimirror, etc., that enhance your ability to deploy the Microsoft Windows desktop operating system, manage the application lifecycle, and provide a complete inventory. The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance extends the manageability of the Microsoft desktop to enable more control, better asset tracking, and accelerate the deployment of the operating systems and the applications within the environment.

Do I have to license Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance on 100% of my desktops?

Only if your license agreement requires 100% coverage of selected products, such as Campus and School Agreements. Otherwise, you have the option to purchase as many licenses for the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance as you like—up to the number of Windows desktops covered with Software Assurance. We strongly recommend that the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance purchase be made on the same enrollment as the Windows desktop Software Assurance coverage to ensure that the coverage period is co-terminus.

I have Software Assurance on some of my desktops. Does it matter which machines I actually load the new product onto? For example, I have 1000 desktops and 100 have SA on the O/S (on paper). Can I load the software on any 100?

The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance must be installed only on those Windows desktops for which you have the underlying Software Assurance actively covered.

How can Select customers that want the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance on their entire enterprise get this if we do not have Software Assurance on all our Windows desktops?

You have the option to purchase and deploy the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance on as many Windows desktops as you have actively covered under Software Assurance.

Can it be added to an existing Enterprise Agreement (EA)?

Yes. The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance can be added to existing EA or Select Licenses as long as the Windows Desktops are covered under Software Assurance.