No comment - A Microsoft letter to system builders

[David Weisgerber <kx1 gmx net>]

MIND YOUR RFPs and Qs 

Action: Mind Your RFPs and Qs


Microsoft OEM Western Region Pilot Program
Identifying PC Bids that do not include an Operating 
System for each PC 

Microsoft OEM western region introduces a pilot program 
that rewards you for notifying us about Bids that do 
not include operating systems and helps you help your 
customers to be compliant. 

WHAT:
         We understand that there is some confusion 
         regarding Microsoft licensing of Operating 
         Systems and we need your help in assuring 
         that each and every PC has a licensed and 
         legal operating system. 

WHY: 
         It has come to our attention that many 
         organizations that are sending out bids believe 
         that because they have enrolled in a Microsoft 
         volume license program (i.e. Select Agreement 
         or Enterprise Agreement), that operating 
         systems for newly-acquired PCs are automatically 
         enrolled in the volume program as well. There is 
         no volume licensing program at Microsoft that 
         covers operating systems for new PCs. Therefore, 
         we strongly advise that each new PC that will be 
         running a Microsoft Operating System be pre-
         installed with an OEM version of the Operating 
         System. The alternative would be to purchase 
         retail product, at greater cost and 
         inconvenience to your customers. 

Following is an excerpt from a bid that was recently 
revised to include operating systems. 

"The Company has a site license for most Microsoft 
software including the Windows Operating Systems. The 
vendor will be responsible for installing a Company image 
that includes the Windows Operating Systems at no 
additional charge. Documentation providing proof of the 
Company's site license will be provided upon award of the 
contract. All software required to operate or interface 
with the equipment covered in this bid shall be supplied 
without additional cost to the Company. Such software 
includes but is not limited to drivers for hard drives to 
interface with network software. Windows 98, ME and NT 
drivers shall be provided, if available. All software 
drivers should be pre-installed and configured without 
memory or internal conflicts prior to delivery."


NOTE: The licensing program referenced above and all 
Microsoft licensing programs only cover upgrades of 
operating systems for existing PCs. 

It is to your benefit as an OEM to sell Operating Systems 
with each PC, especially if you will be servicing and 
supporting your customer. 


MIND YOUR RFPs and Qs 

You may be eligible to win prizes! Here's how.

By submitting bids that request PC systems without an 
Operating System due to a Microsoft site license, you 
can earn points and win! 

-     Notify and provide copy of the bid to your 
Microsoft Account Manager at: SBWest microsoft com 
Notification must be received by June 30th to be eligible. 

      Your submission will be acknowledged and acted upon 
within 24 hours 

      If you are the first to identify the bid you will 
be awarded one point for each PC specified on the bid. 
Points from multiple bids may be combined through 6/30/01. 

 
POINTS        REWARD 

 250 points   5 Microsoft game titles 

 500 points   Above reward plus a Fossil Big Tic watch 

 1000+        Above rewards plus a Fast Cook & Grill 
              Combo and Travel Chair 

**Please note that your privacy will be maintained - 
Microsoft will not disclose your Company's identity as the 
source of the bid information. 

***At your request a letter can be sent to the issuing 
Company clarifying Microsoft licensing policies.