How to get Windows 7

Like many of our customers I am getting caught up in the excitement of the upcoming release of Windows 7. While I have yet to see an official release date for Windows 7, I will be surprised if it is not available before the end of the year. There are ways that you can make a purchase now and have rights to Windows 7 immediately upon release. Software Assurance grants you never version rights for any releases during your Software Assurance period. If you are within 180 days of an OEM Windows Vista Business you can add Software Assurance to your OEM license and have rights to 7 as soon as it is released. The Software Assurance on OEM also currently has a promotional price of up to 15% off. If you are outside the 180 days there are other ways that Software Assurance can be applied. Contact us for pricing or additional information.

Comparing Licensing Options

To save money one thing that some of customers choose is OEM Software. OEM Software can defiantly save you money over Retail. In some cases OEM Software can be even lower then Open License Software. Each option has its benefits. OEM Software’s biggest benefit is price. The largest drawback to OEM Software is that once installed it is married to the hardware. Meaning if the computer fails the Software dies with it.

Retail software’s biggest benefit is that it is the only software option that includes Microsoft technical support. The biggest drawback to retail software is it is the highest priced of the software purchase options.

The last option is Open License Software. The benefits of Open License are a discounted price and volume media, which allows you to install all of your licenses with one CD and one Product Key. The only drawback is that you are required to purchase at least 5 licenses to start an Open License Agreement.

Microsoft continues to Add Value!

Microsoft continues to provide opportunities for partners to add value. This time it is a new feature for system builders. Microsoft already gives a large discount on OEM software for system builders. In Windows Vista, Microsoft has built in some advertising opportunities. System builders can now add links and information to the Welcome Center. This is a great opportunity for a system build to advertise other products or services. Imagine if you could give all your customers instant access to all of the services that you can offer.

This gives the system you a chance to give something extra back to the customer. Access to Welcome Center gives you chance to generate future sales with your customer. Who knows when your customer might need a new printer or more ram. Products you happen to have advertised on the Welcome Center screen. Really it is free advertising and who can’t use free advertising? Enjoy this new service and work to make sure you add as much value for your customers as possible.

Get the Ultimate!

Windows Vista Ultimate is the most comprehensive edition of Windows Vista. It is the first operating system that combines all of the advanced infrastructure features of a business-focused operating system, all of the management and efficiency features of a mobility-focused operating system, and all of the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system. For the person who wants one operating system that is great for working from home, working on the road, and for entertainment, Windows Vista Ultimate is the operating system that lets you have it all.

Windows Vista Ultimate is available under open licensing. The upgrade to Vista Ultimate is only available to Software Assurance customers so if you want to ensure that you are able to get Vista Ultimate make sure you add Software Assurance to your OEM licenses within 90 days of purchase, and to your Open License products at the time of purchase.


Also take a moment to check out WasatchWare for Custom Software Development Solutions. More information on WasatchWare is coming soon.