Re: Microsoft Volume Licensing infringement?

["Gaddis, Jeremy L." <jeremy () linuxwiz net>]

Randall M wrote:
> Anyone on here get an email from MS volume licensing services stating 
> that all XP office and 2003 professional needs updated to remove the 3rd 
> party

From https://partner.microsoft.com/US/licensing/40025957 (may require 
login to Microsoft Partner site):

-----
There is a misperception that Volume Licensing agreements cover the full 
Windows desktop operating system. The upgrade license does not provide a 
full, or initial, license for the Windows operating system. The Windows 
XP Professional desktop upgrade license is for upgrade purposes only. 
There are no changes to the terms of the Volume Licensing agreement, nor 
the Windows XP Professional upgrade license product use rights.

To provide clarity around the Windows desktop upgrade license and help 
customers avoid inadvertent non-compliance, Microsoft will be removing 
the full Windows operating system software bits from the Volume 
Licensing Welcome and Comprehensive Kit CDs beginning in January, 2006. 
Customers will receive CDs that include upgrade bits per their rights 
under the Volume License agreements. The full software bits will remain 
available to Volume Licensing customers through a secure online site 
(Microsoft Volume Licensing Services website) or by ordering a CD, but 
customers must have a qualifying operating system installed on their PCs 
in order to obtain the Windows Upgrade license.

We understand this is an extra step for customers but we hope that the 
reduced risk of noncompliance gives them the peace of mind knowing that 
their company is properly licensed. This is a great opportunity for you 
to communicate the benefits of being properly licensed to your customers 
and ensure that they have the information they need regarding licensing.

Download this customer email to help communicate this important change 
to your customers.
-----

The "customer email" is attached.

-j

--
Jeremy L. Gaddis, GCWN, Linux+, Network+
LinuxWiz Consulting
http://www.linuxwiz.net/
_______________________________________________
Full-Disclosure - We believe in it.
Charter: http://lists.grok.org.uk/full-disclosure-charter.html
Hosted and sponsored by Secunia - http://secunia.com/