Updated “Licensing Windows Embedded 8” Volume Licensing Brief

The Volume Licensing Brief for Windows Embedded 8 is updated in line with the licensing changes that came into effect from 1 April 2014. Here’s an overview of what’s new and different:

  • Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Enterprise edition is now available as an upgrade licence through Volume Licensing programs. Previously, Enterprise edition was a Software Assurance benefit when SA was added to the Pro edition
  • Software Assurance may only be added to Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Enterprise edition. Previously, SA could be added to the Pro edition. Note that, for a transition period, customers may add SA to the Pro edition purchased with new devices. The devices must have been purchased before 1 July 2014 and customers have 90 days to attach SA
  • New benefits are added when Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Enterprise is covered with SA to make the benefits almost identical to those available for Windows 8.1 Enterprise with SA. In fact, the only benefits that aren’t available now are the Enterprise Source Licensing Program and Windows Thin PC
  • There’s a new SA benefit added (which applies to Windows 8.1 Enterprise too) called “Enhanced Edition Rights” which allows the deployment of either Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Enterprise or Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition
  • Enterprise Sideloading is now enabled in the Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro edition, whether it is acquired through Volume Licensing programs or the OEM channel. Previously, this was only enabled in the Enterprise edition and Enterprise Sideloading for Windows Embedded 8.1 licences needed to be acquired for devices that were licensed for Windows Embedded 8.1 Pro or Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro. Note that the April 2014 Product List has not been updated to reflect this information
  • The Downgrade Rights have been extended allowing a downgrade to Windows Vista Business/Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems, or Windows Embedded 8 Pro

 

The whole brief is worth a read since it gives extra detail such as the different Embedded SKUs and the channels through which they can be acquired. Download the Volume Licensing Brief here: http://bit.ly/17dGRlh