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How does a Volume License Work?

bobross419

bobross419

Golden Member
My company has a volume license for Windows XP, but every time we order a new Dell we order it with an O/S installed. I was under the impression that a volume license can be used as the license for # machines, but my supervisor insists that it means that it is a license key that can be used on # machines but each machine still needs to have its own license for auditing purposes.
 
Thanks for that... It didn't really answer my question though... this line seems to be the key: "By acquiring software licenses through Microsoft Volume Licensing programs, you only pay for the software license."

But it is still a little ambiguous when looked at in light of my original post.

I went on to read the reference guide and it looks like it depends on the specifics of the volume license agreement. will have to look into that next.

Thanks
 
The way I read it, you get a license for X number of computers. But you only get 1 copy of the actual media (or install cd / dvd) .. You can order extras thru the MS replacement media site. Also it would be treated more like OEM in that you would not get a user manual, like a retail boxed version of the program would.
 
XP Volume Licenses are UPGRADE-ONLY licenses. Any PC where you install an XP Professional Volume license has to already have a base OS license associated with it. In other words, according to MS' Volume License terms, you can't take an bare computer, with no prior Windows license, and install a Volume Licensed copy of XP Professional on it.
 
Originally posted by: RebateMonger
XP Volume Licenses are UPGRADE-ONLY licenses. Any PC where you install an XP Professional Volume license has to already have a base OS license associated with it. In other words, according to MS' Volume License terms, you can't take an bare computer, with no prior Windows license, and install a Volume Licensed copy of XP Professional on it.
Click to expand...

Yet another way that MS forces businesses to pay TWICE for Windows.
 
Originally posted by: RebateMonger
XP Volume Licenses are UPGRADE-ONLY licenses. Any PC where you install an XP Professional Volume license has to already have a base OS license associated with it. In other words, according to MS' Volume License terms, you can't take an bare computer, with no prior Windows license, and install a Volume Licensed copy of XP Professional on it.
Click to expand...

Uhhhh, I would like to know where you found that information. Please post a link.

Where I work, we have over 100 XP volume licenses, and probably just as many ME licenses. Then we have 30 Office volume licenses. When we buy volume licenses we call an authorized dealer like CDW, tell them how many we need, and receive an email from CDW with the key numbers. You do not get media, unless you buy it specifically. The more licenses you buy at a time the cheaper they become. Then you can use the same CD key for as many installs as you have licenses.

Now, bobross419, you are correct, Volume licenses are transferable from PC to PC and OEM licences are not. I don't know if Dells can be ordered without an OS, but I think you can buy them preinstalled with a volume license. if your boss just needs a way to track the PC's, create some sort of serial number system and have a spread sheet to keep track of it.


Super edit I found this: In Volume Licensing, the desktop PC operating system license is an ?upgrade license.? You may only acquire upgrade licenses for devices for which you have already licensed a ?qualifying operating system.? A list of ?qualifying operating systems? that qualify for an upgrade license is contained in the Product List, which can be found at http://www.microsoftvolumelice...com/userrights/PL.aspx.

However I am having a hard time believing I would need 2 licenses. otherwsie I could just go out and buy 100 retail copies.
 
Originally posted by: superunknown98
Uhhhh, I would like to know where you found that information. Please post a link.
Click to expand...
Microosft Volume Licensing FAQ

"Q. Can I order a PC with no operating system from a manufacturer and then use my Volume License to install Windows on the desktop?

A. No. Volume License agreements?including Academic, Government, and Public Sector?never cover the initial full Windows Client operating system license. Volume License agreements cover only Windows Client upgrade licenses. Windows upgrades are designed to upgrade previously acquired qualifying desktop operating system licenses. See the PUR for more information on qualifying underlying licenses."

ALL Microsoft Volume Licenses (for OSes) are UPGRADE ONLY. Yes, they will install on an "empty" PC. But your Microsoft Volume Licensing agreement says you have to have a full license for a previous OS.

Originally posted by: bobross419
My company has a volume license for Windows XP, but every time we order a new Dell we order it with an O/S installed. I was under the impression that a volume license can be used as the license for # machines, but my supervisor insists that it means that it is a license key that can be used on # machines but each machine still needs to have its own license for auditing purposes.
Click to expand...
Your boss is correct.
 
Ok I found this http://www.microsoft.com/licen...highlights/osbits.mspx

Which makes it seem like they only changed the XP cd's being distrbuted from full versions to upgrade only. It claims all you need is to buy the media or download if you are a select customer.

But then:Q. How can customers obtain a license for the full Windows operating system?

A. There are two ways to obtain a full Windows desktop operating system license: from a PC manufacturer or through a retail version of Full Packaged Product (FPP). Acquiring a preinstalled version of Windows on a PC is the most cost-effective way of obtaining the full Windows desktop operating system license.


Now my world is upside down. Why even bother with volume license? All your getting is the ability to use one CD key and paying for it?
 
Originally posted by: superunknown98
Now my world is upside down. Why even bother with volume license? All your getting is the ability to use one CD key and paying for it?
Click to expand...
The advantages of MS' Volume Licensing system are not normally the direct licensing cost. It's more about online license management, MS' Software Assurance program, and the ability to download or order new media as needed.

So any new Volume Licensed install CDs are labelled "for upgrade only"? I didn't know that.

The "cheapest" way to get a PC with XP Professional on it has always been to buy a new Dell or HP with XP Professional pre-installed. I have clients who think they are saving money by buying XP Home PCs at Best Buy. Then they have to pay for XP Professional Retail Upgrade packages or pay for Volume Licenses, plus the cost of physically doing the upgrade.
 
The advantage to the Volume License is the product key.
If you are in an environment that has multiple computers with a standardized image is where volume licensing helps.
I can take one computer, build it the way I want, and sysprep it and make an iimage, then deploy it to all the other identical machines. It's much easier to do this than to install Office on 30 computers, plus all the updates, AV and other programs. And I don't have to input the Windows Key on everymachine.
 
I noticed bsobel isn't chiming in here, claiming that I'm a liar for harping on the fact that MS likes to force users to pay for Windows multiple times.

Could it be, that the facts indicate, that I'm right?

Next time you call out a poster who isn't even in the thread, you WILL spend some time off.

Perknose
Senior AT Mod
 
Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
I noticed bsobel isn't chiming in here, claiming that I'm a liar for harping on the fact that MS likes to force users to pay for Windows multiple times.

Could it be, that the facts indicate, that I'm right?
Click to expand...
A quick search shows that bsobel hasn't posted ANYTHING in these forums in a month or so.

We've already established that Microsoft Volume Licensed OSes are "upgrade-only". That means each PC must have a pre-existing Full license for Windows. A company looking at Volume Licensing for Windows has the following options to consider:

1) If they are upgrading from an older version of Windows on older PCs, then they already have an existing OS license and all they'll need is a new Volume License.
2) If they are buying new PCs, they can buy PCs with their desired OS pre-installed.
3) If they buy or build "empty" PCs, they can buy and install OEM software on their new PCs. Sysprep can be used if this option is picked.
4) If they buy or build "emtpy" PCs, they can buy and install Full Retail software on their new PCs.

If they choose Volume Licensing, it's because that's the cheapest overall option for them. It's their decision.
 
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