This is the Windows version. What are OEM products and why are they cheaper? What are OEM versions?

DMITRY BUTYANOV

How to buy software from Microsoft? Features of purchasing and using OEM versions

“Why is this necessary?” – many will answer with a wry smile when it comes to the need to use a licensed software. Nowadays you can buy almost any software “on trays” very cheaply! And it's almost like the real thing! What more could a system administrator want?

But as soon as you work with such a “lost” product for some time, the system administrator begins to sigh, staring at the ceiling with long glances and cursing in every way those who slipped him this very disk. It seems like you’re doing everything right, and smart people on forums are giving practical advice, but the system lives by its own laws that people don’t understand. And the numbers break off so much that even seasoned specialists who have eaten more than one gigabyte throw up their hands and cannot recommend anything other than reinstallation. So, maybe it’s not about you, but about the software that you got almost for nothing and on which your company now works?

It is no secret that pirates, when producing their... hmm... products, sometimes make significant changes to the distribution, throwing out at least driver libraries and other things of little importance to them. What kind of torment the admin will experience later is of little concern to them. This will not affect their profits. In addition, the system is overgrown with “Resets” and other unappetizing software that forces this wretched cripple to somehow work. As a result, we end up with a lot of problems, which we spend most of our time solving instead of doing business.

The pirates themselves often do not know in whose hands the system was before it reached the pirate’s tray. What these unknown fighters of the pirate front did with this system, and why now a couple of hundred programs fit on one DVD, also cannot be explained. Life can show how viable this whole structure is; in other words, they are selling you your own problems for your money. You need it?

And the matter will not be limited to incorrectly working software. The legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of copyright protection (anti-piracy) has undergone significant changes over several years, and is now being built on the basis international standards in this domain. Under certain conditions, pirated software in a company's office can become a criminal offense. You can imagine what this can do to your profile and job opportunities.

There is an opinion that legal software is so expensive that companies simply have no choice - they will go broke buying it. As a rule, this opinion is shared by people who do not know its value. If you don't believe me, ask them. Get the answer “Very expensive.” But nothing concrete.

Almost any company, even a small one, can now buy licensed software. By the way, you don’t have to buy, but rent (few people know about this). Became interesting? Read on.

There is an opinion that purchasing licensed software is not much different from buying, for example, a kettle - give the money, receive the product, use it as you want. Actually this is not true. By purchasing this or that software, you buy the right to use it. In other words, the manufacturer allows you to use their product, but on its own terms. These conditions are stipulated in the License Agreement and must be followed. Required! Failure to comply with these requirements is piracy. So keep in mind that you can become a pirate out of ignorance.

What are the features of acquisition and use?

You can purchase Microsoft software different ways. In all cases, it is accompanied by a license agreement, either electronically or in printed form. Please note that the terms of use of the software depend not only on the product itself, but also on the method in which it was purchased. That is, the same product, purchased in different ways, can be used in different ways.

I will list the types of licenses and ways to purchase them:

FPP license(Full Packaged Product - boxed). Boxed products are intended for individual clients and home offices. In some cases, the boxed version can be purchased for installation in company offices, but my advice to you is to first consult with a reseller.
OEM License– intended for suppliers computer technology.
Licenses provided through Volume Licensing programs– designed for organizations of any size. The cost of licenses already includes discounts for order volume.

Exist special programs licensing of products for ASP - Application Service Providers companies providing access services to Microsoft applications to third parties. For example: SQL Server database hosting, hosting mail servers Exchange Server. SPLA – Service Provider License Agreement. In some cases, you can download the product online. Let's look at the three most popular options: boxes, OEM licenses, corporate licensing programs.

The box is beautiful, but a little expensive

The easiest (and most expensive) way to purchase a software product is to purchase a box (FPP). When you buy a boxed version, you receive in the set: License Agreement (often only in electronic form), original media with anti-counterfeit elements, User Guide (often only in electronic form), packaging with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). To confirm the authenticity of the software purchased, you must retain the entire package plus any proof of purchase. Not all software can be purchased as a boxed version; some products are not distributed this way. As a rule, these are products aimed at the corporate user, for example, Microsoft Office Pro Enterprise Edition cannot be purchased in a box. The right to use the boxed product is unlimited, i.e. you can use it all your life. In addition, such a product can most often be installed on two PCs (the right to install on a laptop computer). You can read more about the rules for using the boxed version of the product in the documentation included with the delivery. I would like to dwell in more detail on the purchasing methods that corporate customers most often use.

OEM – simple and cheerful

Compared to the box, you can purchase the OEM version of the software product for much less. Not all products are distributed as OEM versions - only Windows XP Home & Pro, Office 2003, Windows Server,Small Business Server. Formally, OEM versions of the product are intended for suppliers (assemblers) of computer equipment and should be distributed only with their products. In other words, OEM versions of products are not intended for distribution to end users separately from computer equipment. The validity period of the OEM license is equal to the period of use of the computer. Please note: there are no upgrade versions, no special academic pricing for educational institutions. What is the update version? This is a “Windows XP Pro Upgrade” disk, intended not for installation on an empty computer, but for upgrading another operating system, for example, Windows XP Home Edition, up to Windows XP Pro.

The original OEM version looks like a cardboard box, without beautiful printing. The System Builder License Agreement must be stuck on the box. The number of discs inside the box (and therefore the number of products purchased) can be one, three or thirty. Moreover, server software always comes in packages of one piece, and thirty pieces of disks can only be for Windows XP. Each boxed product includes hologram media, COA, End User License Agreement (electronic), printed user manual (rare). Confirmation of product licensing consists of the entire kit plus purchase documents.

How can an OEM version come to your company?

Firstly, you can purchase a computer with a pre-installed version. Secondly, you can buy the OEM version as such, separate from the computer. First about the first method. If you buy a computer with the OEM version already installed, then look at the paragraph above! You can confirm the authenticity of this version only if you have the entire set in your hands: a disk with a hologram (“original”), an SOA sticker, documentation, if there was one - you should have all this along with your new computers. Be sure to demand this from your suppliers. There is one exception to the rule. It concerns large computer manufacturers, the so-called Direct OEM. These are companies that have signed a direct agreement with Microsoft and have documented evidence of their Direct OEM status. For large computer manufacturers (Direct OEM), there are three options:

BIOS-locked recovery procedures allow major computer manufacturers to create CDs containing the operating system and device drivers to restore factory settings. The CD is labeled by the PC manufacturer and is linked to a specific computer, preventing copyright infringement.
Large computer manufacturers may also place system recovery tools on the hard drive, usually in a separate partition on the hard drive.
Sometimes major computer manufacturers do not provide any system recovery media. However, they are required to provide software recovery tools when necessary upon customer requests.

In addition to the CD, IT vendors may also place additional hardware on the hard drive. copy of Windows, configured according to the requirements of a specific customer.

COA is an anti-counterfeiting element that helps end users distinguish between legitimate and illegal copies. This is a sticker that should be placed on the computer case in a visible place. It cannot be distributed separately from the rest of the package and does not in itself guarantee that the copy is legal.

The COA sticker has a security element in the form of two holes, one of which is shaped like an ellipse, and the other is shaped like the Windows flying windows logo. The outer layer of laminate within these openings is missing, so the individual fibers of the paper structure become visible.
The metallized thread embedded in the structure of the sticker has color transitions that become visible at an angle.
The COA sticker contains microtext - a security element in the form of text that becomes readable only under a magnifying glass.
The new COA decal does not have a laminated coating.

If there is no COA, then you do not have a legal license to use the Microsoft software. The COA is not a software license - it is a visual aid to help you verify the authenticity of the Microsoft software you are using.

There are certificates of authenticity for application programs(eg Microsoft Office). They are attached to the end user documentation and are not stickers. They must be given to you along with the documentation. There is no need to attach such a certificate to your computer.

And so it is possible!

Now about the second option for purchasing OEM versions, namely, purchasing them separately from computers. Surely, if you read this article carefully, you will be surprised. Indeed, I already wrote that these versions are not intended for end consumers. But in the context of the proliferation of OEMs, there is one great phrase: “except in cases where the end user himself acts as a system assembler.” Here I will say that the very concept of “System Builder” at Microsoft is very flexible - it includes not only those who are directly involved in assembling computer equipment, but also persons (legal or physical) involved in installing software on previously purchased computers. Thus, you can absolutely safely purchase the OEM version of the product separately from the computer (you already have one) and complete the installation. One important note: in this case, you will not be considered an end user, but rather a system builder. Accordingly, you are subject to the requirements of the System Builder License Agreement, which is affixed to the box. This agreement comes into force upon opening the box. Microsoft's OEM System Builder License is a "Break-the-seal agreement" - you open the package and agree to be bound by the terms of the license agreement. This is a simple procedure, free of bureaucratization. You do not need to sign any additional documents to have the right to distribute OEM versions as a system builder (this method of accepting an agreement is intended to provide the widest possible sales channel, since it replaces signing documents). And this brings up two important points - you must buy an unopened box; In addition, once the box is opened, you will no longer be able to return it. In addition, you will be required to install the software products that you remove from an open OEM package on end-user computers - further distribution of software from this box in any other way than in a pre-installed form is prohibited (exception: server software) .

We carry out the activation procedure

All OEM versions of the product require an activation procedure. Starting with Microsoft Office XP and Microsoft Windows XP, a number of Microsoft software products include a special technology - Microsoft Product Activation. This technology is designed to protect against software piracy - both Microsoft Corporation and its customers, helping them ensure that they got what they paid for: a genuine and licensed software product High Quality. Product activation technology is intended primarily to counteract such types of violations as software copying by end users - when users install a software product from one genuine storage medium onto large quantity computers than permitted by the terms of the license agreement. According to experts, about half of the damage caused by software piracy to the economies of various countries around the world is due to this type of violation.

Microsoft Product Activation technology is designed to exclude the possibility of using copies of products if the user does not have a license agreement with the copyright holder for the right to use this software product.

If the license agreement allows you to install and use a software product on only one personal computer, installing the same product on other personal computers leads to a violation of the terms of the license agreement, as well as a violation of the legislation of the Russian Federation on copyright protection. Activation technology allows you to technically limit the number of working copies of the product used and eliminate the installation of just one licensed copy for an unlimited number personal computers. Moreover, the number of installations and activations on the same personal computer is not limited.

The activation process begins after the software product is installed on the user's computer. In order to install and then activate the software product on a specific PC, the user must have:

disk with software product distribution;
product key.

The product key is a 25-character number, divided into groups of 5 characters and having the following format: ХХХХХ-ХХХХХ-ХХХХХ-ХХХХХ-ХХХХХ, where X is one of the numbers from 0 to 9 or one of the letters of the Latin alphabet from A to Z .

The product key is required to install the software product on the user's computer; Activating the installed software product on a specific PC. Without entering the key, installing the product on your computer is impossible.

There are the following two types of keys: a key for one-time installation and activation (type A) - used to install a boxed product on one PC (unless otherwise specified in the license agreement for a specific product and type of delivery). Keys of this type are intended for installation and activation of a product whose license allows its use by only one user (boxed product or OEM version of the product).

The Multiple Installation and Activation Key (Type B) is used to install a product purchased through the Volume Licensing program. Keys of this type are intended for purchasers of licenses by various programs volume licensing and can be used for multiple installations of the product (depending on the capacity of the key).

When using these keys, you do not need to complete the activation procedure from each computer. The Product Key required to install the OEM version of the product is located on the Certificate of Authenticity label.

The activation process itself is extremely simple. When you launch a non-activated product, the Activation Wizard window appears on the screen. The activation itself can be performed either via the Internet or by telephone. If you select activation via the Internet in the wizard, then after entering the key everything happens automatically. If you choose activation by phone, you will need to select a country, after which you will see a phone number. Call this number, a robot will answer you. Switch the phone to tone mode, then follow the robot’s instructions. Pretty fast. If you need to perform a large number of installations of OEM versions, then you can carry out the automatic activation procedure.

When performing an upgrade, the system may ask you to reactivate it; this happens when the computer undergoes an update that changes a large number of hardware components (usually more than three). But since the motherboard was not replaced, the product will allow itself to be activated. It's another matter if the motherboard was replaced.

Let me remind you that according to the Terms of Use, maintaining a license is possible only if this replacement was associated with eliminating a defect in the motherboard itself.

You will not be able to activate the product via the Internet; you will have to call and explain the situation to the operator. Next - how it will turn out: either they will immediately reset the activation counter, or (more often) they may ask you to send by mail or fax a document confirming the fact of the repair.

Software Assurance helps you save money

And one more thing that is important to know. Once you purchase OEM versions of server products and Windows Professional, or OEM versions of Office Small Business 2003 or Office Professional 2003, you have 90 days of purchasing the great thing called Software Assurance. You can buy for a period of two or three years, with the possibility of further extension even indefinitely. During this period, you will receive all new versions of the OEM product for which you have Software Assurance free of charge.

If you now buy the 2003 versions of servers, offices, etc., and buy Software Assurance for them, then very soon, in the winter, you will receive Vista, Office 2007 ... so to speak, somewhat cheaper than they cost. The cost of Software Assurance ranges from 25% to 29% of the product license cost per year - you can calculate the savings yourself.

In addition to direct profit, this program will give you a wagonload of bonuses, which is very difficult to list within the framework of this article. I’ll send you to the website http://www.microsoft.com/rus/licensing/volume/softwareassurance/advantagesoverview.mspx, and if you’re interested, I’ll write about Software Assurance separately in the next article.

The last paragraph - and not a word about the price! You are absolutely right, there will be no information about prices in this article. A little patience - next time I will spend comparative analysis the cost of legal software for a small to medium sized organization. How much will it cost to purchase licensed software in OEM form, as well as through various volume licensing programs?

So no goodbyes!

Application

How to legalize an operating system?

Let's assume that the decision to switch to licensed software has been made. But here another pitfall awaits us. After all, the software is already installed and working! Pirate, stolen, whatever, but requiring rearrangement and everything that will follow from this. In other words, temporary paralysis of the company and an aged system administrator by fifteen years. What are the options here? If we are talking about Windows XP Professional, then to legalize the operating system on such computers, you can purchase a special version of the operating system called “Get Genuine Kit for Windows XP Professional.” The Get Genuine Kit includes the same components - a certificate of authenticity (COA), a distribution kit with the product, and an end user license agreement (EULA). Like regular OEM versions, this operating system is locked to the PC it was first installed on and cannot be transferred to another PC. The main differences between Get Genuine Kit and regular OEM Windows XP Professional licenses are described below:

Get Genuine Kit for Windows XP Professional is intended for computers with a previously installed pirated, counterfeit, or unlicensed operating system and may not be included with new computers.
Technical support Get Genuine Kit for Windows XP Professional is provided by Microsoft.
Full installation The operating system (installation on a blank disk) is not mandatory - reinstallation with saving data or updating the product key is possible.

If we talk about other software products, there is no such set for them. In addition, there is no trade-in either, and the cost of old legal software will not be credited to you.

How to avoid becoming a pirate using OEM versions of products?

Or, in other words, what responsibilities and rights do you have? The most common violation of using the OEM version is exceeding the allowed number of installations. Remember - one OEM version can only be installed on one computer. Once installed, it becomes an inseparable part of the computer itself. The lifespan of the OEM version is equal to the lifespan of the computer itself. You cannot transfer this OEM version to another computer. The operating system cannot be transferred to a new or different PC. The entire computer, however, can be transferred to the new user along with the licensing rights to the software installed on it, i.e. provided that all components of the OEM license are transferred to the new user: hologram media, certificate of authenticity, documentation. It is also recommended to provide original payment documents - invoices or receipts confirming the purchase of the OEM by the original user. In this case, the original user should not retain any copies of the software product.

Will I still be licensed for the OEM version if I need to upgrade or repair my existing computers?

The license is tied to the computer, and we begin to upgrade it, i.e. We change the original hardware! Microsoft did it simply: it singled out one component that uniquely identifies the original computer. I think you already guessed which one. That's right - the motherboard. The general rule is that you can upgrade and replace almost everything except the motherboard while still keeping the original Windows license. If you are updating or replacing motherboard and the replacement is not related to eliminating the detected defect, then such a computer requires a new license for the operating system, since by replacing the motherboard, you have actually created a “new” computer. If you are replacing a defective motherboard, a new operating system license is not required. If you are transferring an upgraded computer to a new user, the software license, media, COA, and user manuals must all be transferred to the new user.

Attention!

Changes to Microsoft Product Sales Policies

Since the publication of the first article about the peculiarities of purchasing OEM licenses (No. 12 for 2006), Microsoft has changed the rules for selling OEM versions of software products. Since late 2006, sales of OEM versions to end users are only permitted if the end user assembles their own computer. If the end user already has assembled computer, then he cannot use the OEM version of the software product. Thus, for legalization purposes, you can use either the boxed versions of the products, or, for Windows XP Professional, purchase the Get Genuine Kit.

Sales of OEM versions of Microsoft Office 2007 have also undergone changes. When this product ships with a built-in PC, you receive a free pre-installed version of Office 2007 that you can use for 60 days. During this period, the product can be activated, which requires purchasing a product key. Thus, you can become the owner of the OEM version of the software product, but you will not have a distribution disk. Instead of a disk, part of the license is the key you purchased in the form of a DVD box. The media can be purchased for an additional fee. New program sales of Microsoft Office 2007 were called Office Ready.

Sales rules have changed Windows Vista Business Upgrade – version of the operating system purchased under corporate licensing programs. Using Windows Vista Upgrade is possible with Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000 Professional. Acquisition Windows combinations XP Home + Windows Vista Upgrade is only possible if Windows Vista Business Upgrade is purchased as a boxed product.

Second part of the article.

A certain company produces individual parts and then transfers the components to the customer. The latter, and this is usually a well-known brand, introduces the resulting part into its products. Firms that stand at the origins of the formation of final products are called OEM companies. What does this cooperation give to large corporations, and whether small production associations can sell products of famous brands themselves, read in our article.

What does OEM mean?

It is foolish to assume that such large corporations as Ford or HP manufacture all the components of the final product themselves:

Ford . Perhaps the company is capable of making cars using exclusively its production facilities, but this idea will cost the corporation very much. Instead, engineers and designers develop the general concept of the future model, and divisions that are not part of the concern, i.e. OEM companies provide the supply of certain parts. For example, shock absorbers for cars are provided by the Japanese KYB. In relation to the Ford corporation, KYB is an OEM manufacturer.
HP . Let's consider an example from another area - IT technology. When you buy a computer assembled by HP, you find Windows OS on the hard drive. But Windows is a Microsoft product, and HP has nothing to do with the development of this operating system. You thought correctly - Microsoft in this case acts as an OEM.

Connecting small OEM (original equipment manufacturers) companies to production significantly improves the quality of manufactured products and reduces their cost. Thanks to such cooperation, the buyer buys the goods at a reduced price.

The percentage of sales increases and everyone wins: the large corporation, the small OEM company and the end customer.

OEM varieties

Over time, the term OEM has acquired two directions. Both of them are the product of partnerships between a large manufacturer and small firms, and the differences lie in the provision of the product to the final manufacturer:

Accessories . The assembled device contains OEM parts. Example: the Philips iron uses a ceramic sole made by the Italian company Ballarini.
Rebranding . In this case, the products are resold under another brand. Example: the German supermarket chain “METRO Cash and Carry” sells hard cheese from JSC “Karat” under its own brand “ARO”.

In the first case, the OEM manufactures a single part that, when combined with other components, forms the final product. OEM companies do not have the right to sell exactly such a component and sell it separately: the part was developed by the customer corporation and has a patent.

In the second case, the OEM is allowed to join a developed retail network with rebranding rights. The buyer will find out about the real manufacturer if he reads the text printed on the small print on the side of the box. The main logo, placed in the most visible place of the packaging, represents a completely different brand.

Benefits of use

Many buyers, not understanding the concept of the OEM acronym, believe that the final product is a low-quality product. But it is not so:

Profitability . After the development of technical documentation, the manufacturer of the final product begins to analyze the market and looks for OEMs that meet the following criteria:
1. Experience. We consider applicants who are professionals in their field and have their own developments.
2. Price. The price is mainly related to which country the OEM units are located in. If it is China, Taiwan or South Korea, the cost of the finished product will decrease.
Investments . The corporation does not invest in the development of a specific part, but uses the industrial sites of other companies. After changing the company's policies, you can begin to cooperate with other OEMs. Thus, investments are minimized, and this means a reduction in the price of the product.
The final price. A fast development cycle makes the final cost of the product for the buyer as acceptable as possible.

The advantages of using OEM in the final product are obvious: quality from OEMs proven over the years and the scale of sales of well-known brands from large corporations make the final product 20-30% cheaper, while the quality remains at a high level.

OEM and ODM: what's the difference?

The buyer must understand the difference between two abbreviations often found on product boxes - OEM and ODM:

OEM . The manufacturer has all the technical documentation and turns to original equipment manufacturer for the implementation of certain components of the future product.
ODM . The manufacturer has a concept and wants the manufacturer to come up with an original design. This is why there are original ODM companies. - original design manufacturers.

Surprisingly, the same company can act as OEM and ODM.

In the first case, the third-party OEM indirectly obtains the customer's technological secrets. She will not be able to directly produce such products, but she will definitely try to use some ideas in her subsequent work.

In the second case, the ODM company will be able to “expose” its patent technologies to the customer.

Do you know that:

For iPhone production, Apple company uses Taiwanese OEM Foxconn.
From 2003 to 2004, the legendary IBM acted as an OEM for the Chinese company Lenovo.
As two directions, both OEM and ODM, for Windows Mobile Taiwanese engineers of the company speakHTC.
Up to 30% of all communicators under the Motorola brand are produced by third-party ODMs, and the American concern is not involved in their development at all.

We hope you have understood such a mysterious term as OEM. What it is can be described succinctly: products under the brand name of a well-known brand produced by production facilities that are not part of the corporation, or simply: OriginalEquipmentManufacturer -original equipment manufacturer.

Video about parts production

In this video, Leonid Sokolov will tell you what OEM is and how this concept differs from ODM:

OEM, Box and Kit, in short, are the types of delivery of goods to the consumer.

To what? Almost all products, but more often to computer units and components, software (most often operating systems) for them.

Briefly, what is the difference? Complete and guaranteed. BOX and KIT - easy to connect and use at full power right away.

One of the KIT options is a construction kit, which contains everything for self-assembly.

OEM - Original equipment manufacturer. This is the original equipment manufacturer - ( Windows type(Microsoft) on ACER computers) a company that sells its product to other manufacturers as a component for their products or a company that uses third-party components to create a product under its own label.

The configuration of OEM products is usually the minimum required for use in assembly: without additional materials and accompanying goods, in packaging without registration, guaranteeing only the safe transportation of the goods.

In the Russian market of computer components and software, the abbreviation OEM means a version of the product in which the direct manufacturer does not work with the end consumer and does not provide support - warranty service sellers of goods are engaged in.

Due to smaller dimensions and OEM components, OEM products are 10-40% cheaper than products intended for retail sale (the so-called retail).

The warranty for such a product may differ from the official one. In the case of software, OEM and retail versions may differ significantly in terms and conditions licensing agreements.

In some countries, retail sale of OEM products is prohibited.

What is Box, Kit?

Box and Kit is the delivery of a finished and assembled product for direct use, including on non-manufacturer platforms. For example, a processor with a fan and fasteners, with thermal paste already applied. Those. All that remains is to insert it into the socket.

If we talk about the completeness of delivery of any equipment or software, then the Box (or Kit) version most often means the delivery package, which includes everything necessary for the immediate use of this equipment or software.

Despite the obvious advantages of this type of supply, they also have disadvantages, the main one of which is the high (compared to the OEM version) price. However, often, much of what is included in the Box delivery may not be needed in your particular case.

OEM example for WINDOWS:

What are OEM versions?

Microsoft software may come pre-installed with your computer. Such versions of products intended for delivery together with hardware are called OEM versions of products (OEM-Original Equipment Manufacturer).

What are the rules for selling OEM versions.

Unlike boxed products, which have colorful packaging designed for display, OEM versions have technological packaging made of brown cardboard. Depending on the product and delivery option, the technology package may contain 1 or 3 separate OEM software licenses.

Can the buyer purchase the OEM version separately from the computer.

OEM versions of the software are intended for PC and server builders ONLY. They are not intended for distribution to end users separately from computer equipment.

Features of using the OEM version.

The main distinguishing feature of OEM versions is that they are “tied” to the computer on which they were originally installed and cannot be transferred to a replacement computer or any other PC.

This confirms the legality of the OEM version.

The required confirmation of the user's license rights is a certificate of authenticity stuck on the PC case. For additional confirmation of licensing rights and accounting purposes, it is strongly recommended that you retain the packaging, media (hologram discs, if included in the product) and proof of purchase.

Please refer to your end user license agreement for information regarding legality of each specific product.

Often there is a need to explain to the buyer in a few words what OEM versions of Microsoft software are and how they can be purchased. The information on this page contains key information that can be used for this purpose. In many cases, it will be sufficient for the buyer, and also suitable for computer store salespeople and other employees of assembly companies for the very first acquaintance with OEM licensing issues.

What are OEM versions?

Microsoft software may come pre-installed with your computer. These versions of the products that are intended to be shipped with the hardware are called OEM versions of the products.

Which products are available as OEM versions?

Not all Microsoft software products are available as OEM versions. Most often we are talking about desktop operating systems Windows Vista or Windows XP, Office 2007 or Office 2003 applications, and server products such as Windows Server 2003.

Separately, it should be noted that for desktop operating systems Windows Vista and Windows XP, OEM versions are practically the only economically viable way to purchase full versions of desktop operating systems, since there are no full versions supplied in corporate licensing (only updates are available), and full boxed versions are obviously have a higher price. Thus, purchasing a new computer that comes pre-installed with a licensed OEM version of the Windows desktop operating system is the most preferable scenario.

What are the rules for selling OEM versions?

The system builder, by opening the technology packaging, thereby accepts the terms of the "Microsoft OEM System Builder License". In particular, these conditions provide for the obligation of the assembler to distribute individual OEM licenses from the packaging only as part of fully assembled computer systems, and in the case of desktop operating systems and applications, there is also a requirement to pre-install this software on the computer (there is no such requirement for server products).

The OEM version of the product usually includes a certificate of authenticity (COA), a distribution kit with the product, and an end user license agreement (EULA, can only be submitted in electronic form). Upon sale, all these components must be transferred to the client.

Can you purchase the OEM version separately from the computer?

OEM versions of the software are intended for PC and server builders/manufacturers ONLY. They are not intended for distribution to end users separately from computer equipment.

This requirement strictly applies to desktop applications and server software. If it is necessary to supply desktop applications and server software separately from computers, you should use boxed versions or corporate licenses.

In relation to the spread of tabletop operating rooms Windows systems two scenarios are possible:

1. Buying an OEM version of Windows if you build your own new computer

In cases where the end user is the assembler himself, assembling his own new computer, as an exception, the assembler may sell the unopened OEM packaging to the customer. There is no licensing requirement to accompany such delivery with the sale of any hardware.

In turn, the customer who receives the OEM packaging and opens it thereby accepts all the terms of the "Microsoft System Builder License". In particular, it assumes that the assembler (in this case the client himself) will have to independently install the software on computers and independently support these computers.

Because Volume Licensing programs do not provide full versions desktop operating systems (updates only), then to legalize the operating system on such computers you can purchase either boxed versions or a special version of the operating system called “Get Genuine Kit for Windows XP Professional”

The Get Genuine Kit includes the same components - a certificate of authenticity (COA), a distribution kit with the product, and an end user license agreement (EULA). Like regular OEM versions, this operating system is locked to the PC it was first installed on and cannot be transferred to another PC.

The main differences between Get Genuine Kit and regular OEM Windows XP Professional licenses are described below:

Get Genuine Kit for Windows XP Professional is intended for computers with a previously installed pirated, counterfeit, or unlicensed operating system and cannot be included with new computers;

Technical support for Get Genuine Kit for Windows XP Professional is provided by Microsoft;

A complete installation of the operating system (installation on a blank disk) is not mandatory - reinstallation while saving data or updating the product key is possible.

English abbr. “original equipment manufacturer” (original/genuine equipment manufacturer)

I found many definitions on the Internet, the combined version is as follows:

The OEM is the true manufacturer, no matter who owns the brand they sell.

OEM brand is a product produced at a factory independent of this brand, by order (agreement) with the owner or seller of the brand.

The production of an OEM product may use the customer's original technology.

OEM partner, OEM project - the creation by partners within the framework of a project of a “complex” product, which includes equipment (components, software, etc.) under the promoted brand.

Examples:
The most common are products manufactured under European standards. Russian stamps in China. Different brands of competitors may be produced in the same plant. This is clearly visible when analyzing customs data.

In the automotive industry - used by component manufacturers (spare parts, service products). Manufacturer's products (own brands and OEM) may be identical, but the presence of the vehicle manufacturer's logo provides a privilege for its own dealers using branded products for workshop service, and thus guarantees the quality of the product and compliance with the manufacturer's requirements. Products under a well-known brand are sold in specialized retail and used by companies with large fleets. The same products can be supplied at retail, but under the manufacturer's own name.
http://www.jcwiki.ru/OEM

“The promotion of IPPON products is based on a wide sales network consisting of more than 1,500 partners, 37% of whom are involved as retailers and OEM partners, 36% as resellers, and in total 65% of partners are involved in retail.”
www.ippon.ru/print/press-480/

“OEM projects are developed by XXXGroup together with hardware manufacturers: industrial controllers; industrial PCs; operator panels; mobile pocket PCs (PDAs) and terminals. To achieve this, XXXGroup is developing a specialized version of YYY® software designed for programming OEM partner products. The manufacturer preinstalls it on the products it produces and includes a free CD-ROM with a controller programming system and automated control system development tools.”
http://www.adastra.ru/partners/be_a_partner/hard/about_oem/

“In the Russian retail market of computer components and software, the abbreviation OEM means a version of a product in which the direct manufacturer does not work with the end consumer and does not provide support - warranty service is handled by product sellers. The configuration of OEM products is usually the minimum required for use in assembly: without additional materials and accompanying goods, in undecorated packaging that guarantees only the safe transportation of the goods. Due to their smaller dimensions and configuration, OEM products are 10-40% cheaper than products intended for retail sale (the so-called retail). The warranty for such a product may differ from the official one. In the case of software, OEM and retail versions may differ significantly in terms of licensing agreements. Material from Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia