 | Q: What is WGA Notifications?
A: Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is Microsoft's commitment to differentiate the value of genuine Windows software by enabling users the capabilities they expect, confidence that their software is authentic, and ongoing system improvements which help them do more with their PCs. It's a program that helps Microsoft fight software piracy and helps you validate that the copy of Microsoft Windows XP installed on your computer is genuine and properly licensed. By confirming that your copy of Windows XP is genuine, you can take advantage of all the capabilities, support, and continuous improvements—as well as the peace of mind—that come with using genuine Windows.
Q: What happens to customers who failed WGA Notifications for Windows XP?
A: Users who are notified that their copy of Windows XP may not be genuine will receive notifications prompting them to validate it. If a user fails to validate Windows XP after 30 days, the desktop is set to a plain black background "black screen" every 60 minutes. The desktop can be changed by the user but it will revert back to a "black screen" every 60 minutes Users will see a permanent notification on their desktop. The notification is click-through and is non-interactive. Newly launched applications will cover this notification.
Q: Why should you legalize PCs running unlicensed Windows XP Professional?
A: It seems obvious, right? With something so important, you need to know what you are getting. Surprisingly, many of your customers could be settling for "possibly" when it comes to their software licensing. Educating your customers about the business risks of using unlicensed software could help them make licensing a higher priority. Studies show that companies using improperly licensed software encounter more system failures that result in data loss and downtime. In the end, these companies may be less profitable than businesses with fully licensed software. And more importantly, using unlicensed Windows is illegal, and this must be made understood to all our customers.
Q: How do you help your customers legalize PCs running unlicensed Windows XP Professional?
A: If your customer has purchased PCs without genuine Microsoft Windows operating system software preinstalled, or discovers they have unlicensed software, the solution is to offer them GGWA (Get Genuine Windows Agreement) through Open License to legalize five or more PCs. GGWA provides a full Windows Vista Business operating system license to customers in need of legalizing existing PCs. Customers who acquire GGWA are also eligible to enroll in Software Assurance (SA) within 90 days from the date of the GGWA purchase.
Q: How do we order GGWA?
A: GGWA is ordered following the same process as any other Open License SKU. Windows Vista Business media is not included, but consistent with any Microsoft Volume License program, it can be ordered separately. Windows XP Professional media can be ordered (up until the release of the next version of the Windows Operating System) if the customer is downgrading from Windows
Q: Does GGWA provide customers the rights to run Windows XP Professional today and Windows Vista Business when they are ready in the future?
A: Yes, that's the amazing benefit of the GGWA license. It allows customers to immediately legalize all unlicensed Windows XP Professional PCs, and a full Windows Vista Business license for their future computing needs.
Q: Who is our the target audience for GGWA?
A: Customers with an installed base of PCs running unlicensed Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista Business needing Windows legalization.
Q: When is GGWA Windows Vista Business available?
A: It's available today. Order quantity is a minimum of five licenses (reorders allowed through the agreement term of two years) just as an ordinary Microsoft Open License agreement. GGWA license transfer rules follow Open License agreement terms. Downgrade rights available. Software Assurance can be purchased within 90 days through a Volume License program.
Q: Does GGWA come with media? If not, how do my customers acquire media?
A: No, just like other Volume License agreements, media is not included but can be acquired separately using the standard media fulfillment ordering process.
Q: Are installation and activation required?
A: There are two customer scenarios for installation and activation:
1. If the customer is running non-genuine software (i.e., counterfeit or pirated), they need to install the genuine copy. To activate the software, the customer uses their VLK found on eOpen. They can also call the Product Activation Center to acquire a VLK.
2. No installation or activation is required if the customer already has genuine software. This scenario typically applies when there is a mis-licensing situation (i.e.,customer used a Volume License agreement to install Windows without an underlying operating system).
Q: If customers need to install Windows Vista, can they go to eOpen to download this product?
A: Yes, customers can go to eOpen to download the Windows bits.
Q: Who provides support for GGWA?
A: Support can be provided by either Microsoft or a Microsoft reseller and is available for purchase via these options:
1. Support is included when SA is acquired and covers deployment planning, staff training, and software upgrades.
2. A technical support contract can be purchased from a Microsoft reseller.
The Benefits of GGWA for Windows Vista Business:
• GGWA Windows Vista Business is tailored to meet the needs of customers that typically purchase and deploy Microsoft software through an Open License.
• GGWA is for Windows Vista Business, but with full downgrade rights to Windows XP Professional. Here, the customer will immediately legalize existing PCs running unlicensed Windows XP Professional, while maintaining the right to upgrade and use Windows Vista Business when ready.
• Customer has the option of purchasing Software Assurance (SA) within 90 days of buying GGWA Windows Vista Business.
• GGWA Windows Vista Business is for use on fully assembled PCs with a previously installed counterfeit, pirated, or otherwise unlicensed copy of Windows.
• GGWA Windows Vista Business requires the customer to commit to only using licensed software going forward (but this does not have to be signed by the customer).
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