HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

tayme — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:54:57 GMT

I don't think that a requirement is to use the OEM Preinstallation Kit. Of course, based on the pingback on yesterdays other post; maybe you were talking about an ovulation predictor kit....

--tayme

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

Waethorn — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:59:29 GMT

"So, can I purchase a OEM System Builder copy and install it on a homebuilt rig, then "sell" it to my wife or daughter?"

That depends. Are you going to install it using the OPK? Are you not using it for your own use? Are you making a profit from the PC, or barring that, selling to a charitable organization, as well as filing it under COGS as part of your business expenses?

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

mikegalos@msn.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:19:37 GMT

lotsa

Nah. We both agree that Windows Home Server is a fantastic product that no home should be without.

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

lotsamystuff — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:49:46 GMT

It's so much fun watching "mikegalos" and Wae have their little lover's spat. Next thing you know, they'll be arguing over who gets the dishes.

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

tayme — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:35:23 GMT

So, can I purchase a OEM System Builder copy and install it on a homebuilt rig, then "sell" it to my wife or daughter? I would meet the requirement of providing support...

--tayme

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

Waethorn — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:00:57 GMT

After checking the OEM SB website, I've also noticed that they now have a software solution for System Builders to create their own recovery hard drive option for customers. Previously, you had to have programming skills or 3rd-party software licensing to perform that job. It's pretty simple (not really!). You perform the standard Windows Recovery Environment (what comes up if you go to the "Repair your computer" option from a Vista DVD) installation in a separate partition on the hard drive, create the failover scripts, create the SysPrep option that hides the failover partition, etc., but now they include a precompiled Visual C++ app that gives you an OEM-esque option for WinRE to restore a factory image with only a couple of clicks. Creating a WIM image is pretty simple (when you know how), and is necessary when creating duplicates of systems, but now you can put a copy of it on the system for the customer so they can reinstall with all the System Builder customizations. System Builders aren't allowed to create customized optical disc media, as they have to include only an OEM SB copy of Windows. So if a customer reinstalls Windows from the installation disc, they won't have any of the added software that the SB includes with the system, nor will they have preloaded drivers already up and running. The new hard drive recovery option that Microsoft provides saves money from licensing something like Norton Ghost or SoftThinks PC Angel software, and gives the customer a better experience when they want to format, so it's a welcome addition.

I welcome Windows 7's new feature that installs Windows RE by default. The instructions for creating a Windows RE failover partition for Windows Vista is about 30 pages long. I'm curious to see how you can customize the WinRE partition with the new OPK though.

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

Waethorn — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:17:47 GMT

Mike, if you really want to debate this, you should honestly take up this quarrel with Microsoft Legal. The package clearly indicates the license agreement, as does all OEM System Builder software. I make it a point to be knowledgeable on all licensing materials provided by the company. The legal agreement is what stands in my book.

Now, if Microsoft sells full license upgrades from the eval versions directly to customers, I was not aware of that. So far, I have only seem OEM System Builder packs for sale though, and even the eval copies are vague, in that they just say to enter in a product key from a fully-licensed package as seen here:

blog.codesleuth.co.uk/.../whs_no_upgrade.jpg

....again, I refer you to the license agreement.

Also, I should point out the Microsoft Authorized Distributor License Agreement, which those companies would also be breaching....

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

Waethorn — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:54:17 GMT

"Or skip the "free crack" step and just dive in and buy an OEM product."

When does Microsoft ever publicly refer to their own OEM System Builder software? It just doesn't happen. They only mention it to partners.

He means partner OEM hardware. The link that that line goes to only has hardware resellers. Nowhere do they link to an OEM SB page.

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

mikegalos@msn.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:43:49 GMT

From a posting by Charlie Kindel (The GM of Windows Home Server) on the Windows Home Server blog:

blogs.technet.com/.../why-raid-is-not-a-consumer-technology.aspx

-------------------

Did you know you can get a free evaluation copy of Windows Home Server by going here? For many geographies we'll ship it to you for free as well. Install it on some old computer (the resource requirements are pretty meager; an old PIII with 512MB of RAM will work great) and throw a bunch of hard drives at it to see just how great a job it does.

Or skip the "free crack" step and just dive in and buy an OEM product.

-cek

-------------------

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

Waethorn — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:40:54 GMT

@mike:

This pretty much sums it up:

"Definitions.

a. “Customer System” means a fully assembled computer system that includes a CPU, a motherboard, a power supply, an internally mounted NAND or revolving magnetic-based hard drive, and a case.

b. “Distribution” and “distribute” mean the point in time when a Customer System leaves your control.

....

2. Authorized Distribution and Acceptance. To distribute the Software or Hardware in this Pack, you must be a System Builder and accept this license. “System Builder” means an original equipment manufacturer, an assembler, a refurbisher, or a software pre-installer that **sells the Customer System(s) to a third party.**"

www.microsoft.com/.../sblicense

Windows Home Server OEM SB packs fall under that license agreement as indicated on the packaging.

....and there's also the OPK preinstallation requirement too, which I didn't mention.

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

mikegalos@msn.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:35:46 GMT

Waethorn

The 120-day eval upgrade info is in the help files installed on the eval copy where it discusses how to do the upgrade to full.

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

Waethorn — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:30:49 GMT

"the fact that the 120-day eval copy expressly expects you to upgrade your eval copy with a full copy"

Nowhere does it mention that in the installer or on the page. The page even says that it just expires after 120 days. I don't see anywhere on the trial download page where it says you can purchase a license to unlock it.

"sounds to me like there's a non-system builder version without those requirements"

I'd like to know what SKU that is....

"and the marketing material that says you can"

WHERE?!?

Everywhere I look, they're mentioning partner hardware instead.

And then there's this:

"How much does Windows Home Server cost?

Windows Home Server ships as an integrated hardware and software solution."

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

Waethorn — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:24:13 GMT

" I notice that Buy.com and Tiger Direct both offer the OEM (not system builder)"

OEM System Builder software is the only software a System Builder (not consumer) can buy outside of getting gold master Direct OEM copies from Microsoft through the Certified Partner channels.

Some stores interchange the terms. Microsoft distinguishes "OEM System Builders" from "OEM's/Direct OEM's" by way of how they purchase the software, and both have different rights. You won't find Direct OEM software for sale though. I'd imagine Microsoft Legal would get into a sh*t fit if they found out someone was.

What Tiger Direct and Buy.com offer is OEM System Builder software.

And I don't enforce Microsoft's policies. I just read them and abide by them. Tiger Direct is one of the stores that Microsoft knows about, and although the license agreement is in plain English, the legal department hasn't gone after these companies. The OEM SB team is well aware of them and that they abuse the license agreement by selling to the general public. Legal is more interested in going after companies that are pirating or counterfeiting software than anything else.

Ever talk to Matt Davis?

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

mikegalos@msn.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:47:48 GMT

As for the System Builder pack at NewEgg having the generic System Builder disclaimer, I notice that Buy.com and Tiger Direct both offer the OEM (not system builder) version but not as cheaply as NewEgg and don't have that disclaimer shown.

IANAL but the fact that the 120-day eval copy expressly expects you to upgrade your eval copy with a full copy with a license key and doesn't have a system builder requirements sure sounds to me like there's a non-system builder version without those requirements. (Well, that and the marketing material that says you can)

re: HP launches next-generation MediaSmart home servers

mikegalos@msn.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:43:09 GMT

waethorn

Odd, I did a copy/paste from the address bar on the page...

www.microsoft.com/.../faq.mspx

which is to www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/faq.mspx (hopefully pulling the prefix will make it readable if not an active link)