Transcript Top 7 Things to Know about Volume Activation with Windows 7 As an IT Pro, you must be aware that volume.

Top 7 Things to Know about Volume Activation with Windows 7
As an IT Pro, you must be aware that volume activation is a required part of your Windows 7 deployment
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Basics
2 types of keys
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• Multiple methods available
• Establishes a relationship between the
software’s product key and a particular
installation of that software on the device
Product Keys
• Grouped and capable of activating
down-level OS (i.e. Windows Vista
& WS08)
• Key swapping is easier
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Experience
• IT Pro managed, requires no end-user
action
• Notification experience for non-genuine
systems
• Persistent desktop reminders
• Black desktop
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Deployment
• Multiple Activation Key (MAK): machine
independent, hosted by Microsoft
• Helps ensure that the software is reliable
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Value
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• Supported by Microsoft and its partners
• Improved management and protection
2 primary methods:
• Key Management Services (KMS):
preferred method, self-hosted, selfmaintaining, ideal for vast majority
Virtualization
• Assists with license compliance
• Virtual machines now count toward
minimums
• Activation of virtual systems is easier
• Connected counts for both client and
server
• 25 connected systems / 5 servers
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Resources
• Prescriptive guidance now available
www.technet.com/volumeactivation
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How Activation Impacts IT
What XP Customers Need To Know
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Volume Activation is required
Executed by IT Pros as part of deployment
Volume Activation has nominal IT impact
Requires no end-user action
Microsoft does not collect user data
No additional hardware is required
What Vista Customers Need To Know
KMS
• Recommended default method
• Enables local activation of unlimited
number of systems
• Now supports virtual and physical client
systems
• Requires: At least 25 systems connecting
to KMS host in any given 30 days & client
systems connect with KMS host at least
once every 180 days
MAK
• Is used for < 25 systems
• Connections > 180 days
• Is one time activation with Microsoft
hosted activation service
• Supports online, phone or proxy
activations; use Volume Activation
Management Tool when activating
Volume Activation Enhancements for Windows 7
Refined end-user experience
• Clear & simplified user interface
• Updated notification dialog
• Customizable user experience for the
enterprise
• Performance improvements to the core
service
Ease of activation in deployment
• Inclusion of virtual systems in customer
hosted activation service (KMS)
• New configuration options for DNS
(priority & weight)
• Modified hardware tolerance values for
reduced reactivation
Enhanced key management & reporting
• Improved manageability
• One stop Volume Licensing Service Center
portal
Genuine Windows
Assurance
 Helps protect against counterfeit
 Delivers all Windows capabilities
Manageability
 Avoids key leakage and the need to reactivate
deployed systems
 Integrated into deployment process and tools
Supportability
 Requires low deployment / management
effort
 Ensures full Microsoft / partner technical
assistance
License Compliance and Management
 Provides access to upgrades and contract options
 Helps avoid penalties, reputation damage, and
business interruption