Microsoft Specialized Servers

Licensing Information

Windows Embedded Server products licensing is a straightforward process once the correct product to license is identified.

A general illustration on how to license Windows Embedded Server products is described below. The licensing process may vary per product and is subject to change, so please check with your Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor for exact details.

Stage 1: Find A Distributor
Contact a Windows Embedded Authorized Distributor today for specific licensing details and access to the complete set of development tools available to help bring your dedicated server to market quickly Authorized Distributors can provide Microsoft Windows Embedded Server Evaluation Kits and licensing information. In certain, high-volume cases, OEMs can license directly from Microsoft	Identify a Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor in your region.

Stage 2: Presales
OEM contacts Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor OEM obtains a Windows Embedded Server Evaluation Kit from a distributor, a Microsoft manager, or online using Microsoft.com and obtains relevant product keys, if applicable Distributor provides a Microsoft OEM CLA for embedded systems and a courtesy copy of the ALPs for the Microsoft Windows Embedded Server product of interest	OEM CLA. A standard set of general terms and conditions that each OEM must sign in order to acquire Microsoft Windows Embedded Server products licenses. ALPs. ALPs define product use rights and restrictions specific to each of the individual Microsoft Windows Embedded Server products.

Stage 3: Engineering

OEM completes development of the master embedded server image
OEM contacts distributor to order Run-time Licenses, Associated Product Materials (APM), and CALs, if applicable
OEM may create and reproduce, or have a Microsoft Authorized Replicator reproduce, a Recovery CD/DVD
OEM may want to consider engaging support through an OEM Engineering contract

Run-time License. After ordering Run-time Licenses, the OEM will receive APM from the distributor. APM consists of materials Microsoft designates that are required for distribution with the embedded system. APM typically includes at least two items-the COA and the ALPs that include specific Microsoft Software License Terms. Each embedded system being distributed requires a Run-time License. Depending on the product(s) licensed, a CAL may be required for each user or device (or combination of both) that accesses or uses the Windows Embedded Server products server software.

Stage 4: Engineering
OEM activates the Windows Embedded Server products	Product Activation. Prior to distribution to end customers, the OEM must activate the Windows Server 2003-based product through one of two options: 1) WPA method-a manual procedure that requires an Internet connection or 2) SLP-an automated activation procedure. OEMs become eligible to use SLP by shipping 100 units or more in the previous 12 months.

Stage 5: Distribution and Sales

Customer distributes embedded systems with a COA and Microsoft Software License Terms as required

COA. A serialized label affixed to devices containing embedded Microsoft operating systems. The COA is the primary antipiracy tool, product tracking tool, and proof of purchase. The product-specific name is printed on the label.

Microsoft Software License Terms. The terms and conditions that must be passed through to the end user, packaged together with the dedicated server or server appliance when shipped.