Do you report people who pirate material/software?

[lxskllr]

Have you read the licenses? Sounds like you haven't, because their claims are true - they know this especially because they wrote them.

Just because you don't understand the rules doesn't mean they're stupid. You want to discuss the FS/T forums, they actually have a rule related to OEM software - http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2480

If you purchased the Dell disk sets without software, they were sold to you illegally. If you're selling them without the hardware they came with (PCs or laptops) then you're violating their licensing and you're subject to fines.

The AT forum post says nothing about it, and neither does the link to MS. Install media isn't the same as selling/transferring a license. There may be other documentation regarding that, but I don't care to look it up as I'm not interested in Windows.

 

[dougp]

The AT forum post says nothing about it, and neither does the link to MS. Install media isn't the same as selling/transferring a license. There may be other documentation regarding that, but I don't care to look it up as I'm not interested in Windows.

LOL, what?

From the post about the rules:

The sale of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) copies of activated software must include an appropriate piece of hardware to keep the sale legit. If you are unsure what is appropriate, please review Microsofts Website on OEM Licensing. Sales of unactivated copies must comply with Microsoft Rules on OEM Licensing.
Sales of hardware with installed software must include original installation disks.
No sales of individual software installation components, i.e. media, license key and/or COA (Certificate Of Authenticity), if required. You must sell the software as it was originally packaged.

Dell disk sets are part of a package - they're tied to the OEM key on the product.

 

[lxskllr]

LOL, what?

From the post about the rules:



Dell disk sets are part of a package - they're tied to the OEM key on the product.

Yea, that's great, but you aren't selling a license; or you shouldn't be anyway. You'd be selling install media, which grants you absolutely nothing without a good key. Install media isn't in any way, shape, or form tied to the key, outside the specific Windows type.

 

[dougp]

Yea, that's great, but you aren't selling a license; or you shouldn't be anyway. You'd be selling install media, which grants you absolutely nothing without a good key. Install media isn't in any way, shape, or form tied to the key, outside the specific Windows type.

Yes, it is. If you read the licensing tied to the OEM key, it states the install media provided with the hardware is considered part of the package. But, that would require you to read it.

And anyways, you said you don't deal with MS licensing, so quit trolling and go back to the *nix forum.

(If you haven't noticed, I actually work with licensing and specifically right now we're concentrating on Microsoft. I'm way too familiar with them and how they word their stuff.)

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

So you sell the OS license illegally? If you're formatting a machine, you should use the license key that comes with it. If you're installing Win7 after formatting an XP partition, and you don't have a legal license - that's a lot more than fines dude. Also, MS has a partnership that's geared towards companies like that - it wouldn't be $100. Try researching options before using software illegally.

Link?

As it is, we scare away a lot of business at our lowest price point of $75, is also lowest in the area. We pull more from our other more legit services. But still have trouble staying in the green most months. We're just hoping to ink a nice big deal so we can go legit across all boards. Sooner the better.

We're proposing a plan to a chain of stores in the area next week. We're all hoping that goes through, as it would cover costs to run the shop, go legit on licenses & all that good stuff.

 

[dougp]

Link?

As it is, we scare away a lot of business at our lowest price point of $75, is also lowest in the area. We pull more from our other more legit services. But still have trouble staying in the green most months. We're just hoping to ink a nice big deal so we can go legit across all boards. Sooner the better.

We're proposing a plan to a chain of stores in the area next week. We're all hoping that goes through, as it would cover costs to run the shop, go legit on licenses & all that good stuff.

You can look at the Microsoft Desktop Competency - but that's probably more of a long term goal given the amount of certifications your company requires. Details are here: https://partner.microsoft.com/HK/program/competencies/compdesktopplatform

Your company will probably first want to look at joining the OEM Partner Center - you can find more information here: https://partner.microsoft.com/HK/licensing/40012170

Joining there will give you a legitimate practice of purchasing OEM licenses from resellers. These are the guys CDW, Newegg, Directron, etc. all purchase from. If you or your company wants more details, feel free to PM me.

 

[Oceanas]

Joining there will give you a legitimate practice of purchasing OEM licenses from resellers. These are the guys CDW, Newegg, Directron, etc. all purchase from. If you or your company wants more details, feel free to PM me.

They can become a partner or join the partner center, but they don't have to. Anyone can order system builder packs from distributors. The system builder license is on the media pack itself and is agreed to if you open the pack.

 

[dougp]

They can become a partner, but they don't have to. Anyone can order system builder packs from distributors. The system builder license is on the media pack itself and is agreed to if you open the pack.

You can order them from distributors - but you're required to order hardware, along with paying a higher price. If they join and become an OEM Partner, it allows them to buy from MS's resellers are lower prices than they'd get from the distributors - they'd become a distributor themselves.

 

[Oceanas]

You can order them from distributors - but you're required to order hardware, along with paying a higher price. If they join and become an OEM Partner, it allows them to buy from MS's resellers are lower prices than they'd get from the distributors - they'd become a distributor themselves.

Actually, you don't have to buy hardware with system builder licenses (normal OEM you do). Sure they can get a lower price if they order from Ingram or one of the other authorized OEM distributors. I've ordered from them working at companies that were and were not MS partners, and received no better pricing in one situation over the other. Both cases were lower than reseller prices of course. If you are saying you've gotten lower prices from Directron or Newegg, I've not purchased software (for work purposes) from them in some time, so I can't speak to that. It's certainly a good thing to become a partner in the long run, but not required; at least in how things have worked in my experience.

 

[dougp]

Actually, you don't have to buy hardware with system builder licenses (normal OEM you do). Sure they can get a lower price if they order from Ingram or one of the other authorized OEM distributors. I've ordered from them working at companies that were and were not MS partners, and received no better pricing in one situation over the other. Both cases were lower than reseller prices of course. If you are saying you've gotten lower prices from Directron or Newegg, I've not purchased software (for work purposes) from them in some time, so I can't speak to that. It's certainly a good thing to become a partner in the long run, but not required; at least in how things have worked in my experience.

No, I was saying that NewEgg and Directron buy from those resellers - you probably won't get their pricing due to volume, but it'd be lower than buy from NE or Directron, etc.

Also, MS seems to want to make you believe you need to be a partner - you probably have to pay money. If you don't have to be and you can at least get 25-50% less than what you'd pay for the OEM version, at least his company would make $25, or probably $12 after paying someone their hourly to format and reinstall.

 

[Lifted]

The bsa is good for enhancing your severance package. That's about it.

 

[Oceanas]

No, I was saying that NewEgg and Directron buy from those resellers - you probably won't get their pricing due to volume, but it'd be lower than buy from NE or Directron, etc.

I had to go back over what you originally wrote as I obviously got it jumbled up the first time. Makes much more sense now.

Also, MS seems to want to make you believe you need to be a partner - you probably have to pay money. If you don't have to be and you can at least get 25-50% less than what you'd pay for the OEM version, at least his company would make $25, or probably $12 after paying someone their hourly to format and reinstall.

Any savings is worth it, for sure. The base partner level is free, but you don't really get anything out of it. All of the other levels require fees and various cert requirements.

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

You can look at the Microsoft Desktop Competency - but that's probably more of a long term goal given the amount of certifications your company requires. Details are here: https://partner.microsoft.com/HK/program/competencies/compdesktopplatform

Your company will probably first want to look at joining the OEM Partner Center - you can find more information here: https://partner.microsoft.com/HK/licensing/40012170

Joining there will give you a legitimate practice of purchasing OEM licenses from resellers. These are the guys CDW, Newegg, Directron, etc. all purchase from. If you or your company wants more details, feel free to PM me.

Thanks.
Will spend some time researching this. But having some prospective numbers to present to boss up front, would be a whole lot more helpful.
Someone from CompUSA/Tiger Direct called looking to set up partnership like mentioned, but have reminded my boss several times & he still hasn't followed up with them.
Although, I doubt no matter how well I pitch it at him, he still won't go for it. At least until we pick up steady business & cash-flow.
I can't even convince him to buy a bulk bag of wire ties or rubber bands. Took him 2 months until he finally bought a spindle of dvd-r's.

We haven't picked up enough so I can be paid hourly. It's all commission-based right now. If the company is not making money, I'm not either.

At this point, I'm just going to prepare to cover my own ass & throw boss under the bus if I have to resort to it.
Going to continue studying for these certifications, then look for better work elsewhere soon as I have my 6 months in.

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

I'm finding this mildly amusing.
Local radio station is going to begin advertising for our shop & an affiliate beginning next month.
They also run advertisements about reporting pirated software.
I should nudge him a little harder to go legit.

 

[shortylickens]

Why bother? I report trolls and nothing ever happens.