Open License Media fulfillment via Distribution Partners
Recently a couple of SBSC partners have contacted Microsoft to alert us to issues they have around obtaining media kits with open licensing. Some of the issues have arisen from lack of clarity around the process - some have arisen through fear of delay in fulfillment. In the latter case, please be aware that we are escalating these issues with the appropriate parties internally to address the problem. I will submit another post on this when I have further insight from our Volume Licensing Fulfillment team and can give you an update. In the meantime, here's the overview of the process you should follow.
Since the 11th July 2008 the open license media order management process has no longer be managed via the Distribution channel. Distributors should now redirect their customers to Microsoft on-line tools eOpen/Volume License Service Centre (VLSC) for their open license deployment requirements (product download and/or media purchase).
With the above in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the correct process to follow when buying Open License Software:
1. Place an Open License Order with a Volume Licensing Reseller. For more information on the Open License program, visit https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/programs/open.
2. Register your License Details on eOpen.
You will receive an Authorisation and a License Number on your Order Confirmation which is published via email direct from Microsoft (It is important that you provide your email alias on the Open License order) or received via your Reseller. Use these details to register your License on https://eopen.microsoft.com.
A Windows Live ID (formerly Passport ID)is required for authentication to the eOpen website. You can use an existing Windows Live ID or create a new one at https://get.live.com/getlive/overview/.
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- Sign in to Windows Live ID on eOpen
- Add your license details in the "Add Agreement" section"
- Sign your Open License Agreement terms and conditions
3. Download your Software.
Once you have signed your Open License Agreement, you have access to the Product Downloads section on the Volume Licensing Service Centre (VLSC).
This allows you to download software products based on your Volume Licensing entitlements:
- Upgrade to new software
- Quickly view all your downloads
Steps:
- Click on the "Product Downloads" section in eOpen
- View all Products available on VLSc
- Specify Download Settings (Language and Connection Speed)
- Launch the Download Manager for efficient installations, timesaving features and automatic restarting if the download process is interrupted.
If you would prefer CD rather than the download version of the software you can purchase a Media Kit through the Product Downloads page.
Steps:
- Click on the "Product Downloads" section in eOpen
- Choose a Product for Download on VLSC
- Specify Download Settings (Language)
- Click on the "Purchase the MediaKit Version" link beside the "Continue Download" button.
Products not available to download:
There are a few product families that are unavailable to download on-line due to the fact that the product has retail PID keys placed on the media kit.
- Windows Small Business Server Std
- Windows Small Business Server Premium
- Windows Server for Small Business
- Microsoft Math
- CRM Professional Server 3.0 (latest version Dynamics CRM Professional Svr available for download)
Note: If the product is not available for download on VLSC, the open media kit is not available to purchase on-line.
The customers can contact the customer support centre to purchase these products manually at no cost.
Doc kits can be purchased manually at cost through contacting the customer support centre.
Delivery:
If you request one of the following SKU's then I am told that delivery should take place within 48 hours:
Customer Support contact details:
You can contact the Support Centre by e-mail at eopenhelp@msdirectservices.com.
Telephone: 0800 9179016