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Learn
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Build
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Test and Submit
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Market
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The Windows Difference
The Windows operating system is built to deliver reliability, security, and high
performance. Case studies show that businesses adopting the latest Windows platform
enjoy lower total costs of ownership, more secure computing and increased user productivity.
As further proof of user confidence, Windows offers the largest install base for
your applications. In particular, the latest platform—Windows Vista—has
gained momentum in the PC market with 90% of Windows-based notebooks sold worldwide
in the last year running Windows Vista Home Premium (Source: Current Analysis).
To date, Microsoft has sold more than 100 million licenses for Windows Vista, making
it one of the fastest-selling operating systems.
As Windows continues to grow with the PC market, investing in Windows allows you
to maximize your impact and return on investment.
The Windows Logo Program
To help you profit from market trends and maximize the install base for your products,
Microsoft has created the Windows Logo Program. The Windows Logo Program is designed
to support the diversification of software and hardware solutions designed for the
Windows platform and communicate the value of Windows-based solutions to customers.
The program makes it simple for software companies to develop secure, reliable,
high-performance applications for the Windows platform and to distinguish these
products in a competitive market.
There are two Windows Vista software logos, each representing a different tier of
quality and functionality.
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The Certified for Windows Vista logo indicates that your application
delivers a superior experience on the Windows Vista platform. This logo carries
the assurance of independent third-party testing.
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The Works with Windows Vista logo represents baseline compatibility
with the Windows Vista platform. Using guidelines provided, partners perform their
own internal testing to obtain this logo.
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By earning and displaying the logo, you can leverage Microsoft campaigns to drive
awareness and to communicate the benefits of your certified products. The logo helps
customers easily identify software that has been designed and tested for ease-of-use,
better performance, and enhanced security on PCs running Windows Vista. The logo
enables your company to differentiate its offerings and give customers confidence
in their purchases.
For an overview of the steps required to earn a logo, download the appropriate process
document below:
Certified for Windows Vista Process Document
Works with Windows Vista Process Document
Explore the
Build,
Test and Submit, and
Market tabs to
learn more.
OEM Ready Program
The OEM Ready Program is a quality assurance program that increases customers' satisfaction with your products and
provides technical benefits to increase your market impact.
To get started with OEM Ready, determine your application's eligibility by
reading the OEM Ready program documentation to understand the application
eligibility requirements and what test cases your application must pass:
Download
If your product is already
Certified for Windows Vista, you are already considered OEM ready.
Planning Ahead
Building on Windows technologies requires planning and coordination with your engineering
team. Microsoft provides tools and resources for incorporating Logo Program requirements
efficiently into your company's software development.
At the beginning of the certification process, your engineering team will need to
become familiar with three areas of pre-development information:
Each Windows Vista logo involves its own requirements in these three areas. Explore
the sections below to learn more.
Certified for Windows Vista
The
Certified for Windows Vista logo indicates that your application
delivers a superior experience on the Windows Vista platform—improved reliability,
security, and performance. This logo carries the assurance of independent third-party
testing.
Your application will need to meet certain functional requirements and pass independent
third-party testing.
Please visit the "
I
Build Software" tab for more technical information and resources.
Works with Windows Vista
The
Works with Windows Vista logo indicates that your application
delivers baseline compatibility on the Windows Vista platform. This logo requires
that you complete your own internal testing to obtain this logo.
Your application will need to meet certain functional requirements and pass a series
of internally managed tests.
Please visit the "
I
Build Software" tab for more technical information and resources.
OEM Ready Program
The OEM Ready Program is a quality assurance program that increases customers' satisfaction with your products and technical benefits that increase your market impact.
After you build your application, confirm it will pass the OEM Ready Program Test Cases.
Download the
OEM Ready software qualification test suite.
Please send test suite feedback to:
oafeedbk@microsoft.com.
For questions or support, please send e-mail to:
mdasw@microsoft.com.
Windows Logo Program Testing Requirements
Microsoft requires specific testing procedures for the Windows Logo Program. Each
logo level has its own functional requirements and testing protocol. To learn about
the basics of testing and submitting your product for a Windows Vista logo, visit
the appropriate section below.
Certified for Windows Vista
Applications that are Certified for Windows Vista are tested to ensure a superior
level of security, reliability, and performance on the Windows Vista operating system.
Testing is completed by independent third-party testing authorities to ensure a
premium experience for end users.
Your engineering team should consult the
Certified for Windows Vista Test Cases for valuable guidance as they build
and prepare to test a Windows Vista solution.
Once you've completed internal testing, submit your product for certification through
Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) and submit it to VeriTest or WiPro, Microsoft's
approved independent third-party testing authorities.
Please visit the "
I
Build Software" tab for more technical information and resources.
Works with Windows Vista
Earning a Works with Windows Vista logo for your product ensures your customers
benefit from baseline compatibility with Windows Vista. To earn the logo, your company
will need to complete self-testing for compatibility. Application Compatibility
guidelines are found in the
Application Compatibility Cookbook.
Once your application passes internal testing, submit your product for verification
through Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) to sign all related legal documents
and receive your logo.
Please visit the "
I
Build Software" tab for more technical information and resources.
OEM Ready Program
The OEM Ready Program is a quality assurance program that increases customers' satisfaction with your products and provides technical benefits to increase your market impact.
OEM Ready Submission Process
Note: The program will begin accepting submissions on July 1, 2008.
After completion of testing applications for the OEM Ready Program, you can submit the test logs to Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) for processing. To submit results for qualification consideration, please ensure that you follow these steps.
- Obtain a code-signing ID
This ID is obtained by resubmitting your product to the OEM Ready Program through Windows Quality Online Services. This authenticates your organization and the transmission of applications and test results to Microsoft.
- Establish a Winqual account
A Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) account is necessary to submit titles to the OEM Ready Program.
- Submit OEM Ready test results
- Log on at
http://winqual.microsoft.com.
- Select from WINDOWS LOGO PROGRAMS > SOFTWARE > OEM Ready
- Edit an existing submission or click CREATE NEW to start a new OEM Ready submission
- Follow the on-screen instructions to upload your qualification report and log files package
- Answer the questions about your application and sign any required legal agreements
- Check submission status
After the completion of the review, the status of the submission ID will change to indicate if the application submission has been accepted or rejected. If your test submission fails, you can submit new logs to Winqual for retest after reported failures or omissions are corrected.
OEM Ready Testing Issue Resolution Process
Questions should initially be directed to the technical support email address:
mdasw@microsoft.com. If you encounter an issue during the OEM Ready testing process, it must be resolved prior to making a test submission, either by correcting the issue or by receiving an OEM Ready Resolution ID number.
You must complete an
OEM Ready Testing Issue Resolution Request Form to receive an OEM Ready Resolution ID number. The form is designed to help gather all of the information that the OEM Ready team may need to help you resolve a testing issue in the shortest time possible. Please complete one form per unique testing issue.
Promotional Support
As a participant in the Windows Vista Logo Program, your company can use logo artwork,
messaging guidelines, and marketing campaign assets in association with products
that have met the logo program requirements. With these assets you can extend your
marketing by taking advantage of Microsoft's continued investment in promoting Certified
for Windows Vista products to consumers, businesses, and retail channel partners.
To help drive purchase preference for products that are built for Windows (and specifically
for Windows Vista), Microsoft is educating users through:
- A world-wide Consumer preference Campaign for Windows Vista and Windows Live.
- Web advertising and retail point-of-sale (POS) materials.
- Specialized training for retail sales professionals.
- Partnerships with 35 online retailers, including Amazon.com, Buy.com, and Dell Europe
to display Windows Program logos prominently on their product pages engaging 57
million unique consumers each month.
Obtaining a Windows Vista logo enables you to take part in these campaigns and other
initiatives. To learn about the benefits of earning a Windows Visa certification,
visit the appropriate section below:
Certified for Windows Vista
After you have earned your Certified for Windows Vista logo, Microsoft supports
you as you market and maintain your application. You can take advantage of these
premium benefits:
- Display the Certified for Windows Vista logo on your product packaging and promotional
materials. Learn more.
- Ensure your product's information is up-to-date on the Windows Vista Compatibility Center. Learn more.
- Have the Certified for Windows Vista logo appear with your products when they are
listed by Microsoft's online retail partners. Learn more.
- Receive "Partner Points" when you become a member of the Microsoft Partner Program.
Learn more.
- Benefit from Microsoft's investment in an ongoing Consumer Demand Generation Campaign.
Learn more.
Logo Artwork
Help your customers identify compatible products that are designed for ease-of-use,
better performance, and enhanced security with the Windows Vista Logo Program. As
a participant in the Windows Vista Logo Program, your company is eligible to utilize
logo artwork, messaging guidelines, and marketing campaign assets in association
with products that have met program requirements.
- Download the Logo
Program Partner Marketing Guide with logo usage and marketing guidelines.
- Sign into Winqual at https://winqual.microsoft.com.
- Click Software => and then choose the appropriate logo:
- Certified for Windows Vista - 3rd Party Tested
- Works With Windows Vista - Self Tested
- Click on your Product Submission.
- Click Download Artwork.
Windows Vista Compatibility Center
Microsoft recently launched the
Windows Vista Compatibility Center(WVCC) beta. The WVCC is designed to help consumers, small businesses and sales-channel partners easily identify the products and devices that are compatible with Windows Vista. The site currently focuses only on products available in the U.S. market. During this beta period, we are asking for feedback from our ISV partners to ensure that the right products are included, and that the information we are providing is accurate and up-to-date.
- If your products are widely available in the U.S. market, they may already appear in the Windows Vista Compatibility Center. You can check for your products at www.windows.com/compatibility.
- If a product is missing or is showing inaccurate information, please use the built-in site feedback forms to let us know.
- Enter "InnovateOn" in the Service Code field so that we know the feedback is coming from an ISV partner and we can prioritize accordingly.
This is an exciting opportunity to showcase all of your products that work on Windows Vista. Please don't miss this opportunity to get involved!
E-tail Partners
Over 35 online retailers, including Amazon.com, Buy.com, and Dell Europe, are displaying
Certified for Windows Vista logos prominently on their product pages. On average,
these retailers engage 57 million unique consumers each month in the US, Canada,
UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, and Australia.
Microsoft's continued investment in these E-tail partnerships demonstrates its commitment
to companies who leverage Windows Vista technologies.
Microsoft Partner Program
The Microsoft Partner Program is designed to recognize your expertise, reward you
for the total impact you have in the marketplace, and deliver value to help your
business thrive.
Membership helps you:
- Build your business with resources designed to help you build revenue, sales momentum,
and prominence while increasing your market impact.
- Reduce costs and increase operational efficiency throughout your business cycle
by using valuable software, training, and support.
- Realize your full business potential for you and your customers through innovative
Microsoft technologies, your relationship with Microsoft, and the worldwide partner
community.
When your application earns the Certified for Windows Vista logo, your business
will receive 30 Partner Points. Partner Points are earned for activities related
to developing technology; your Microsoft sales performance; and servicing, supporting,
and training customers. Certified for Windows Vista partners can earn even more
points by earning a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft Competencies and specializations
define expertise in solution areas that map to customer needs. Participating in
a Microsoft Competency or specialization earns you Partner Points, as well as additional
resources beyond those associated with your membership level.
You can learn more about the Microsoft Partner Program at these web pages:
Consumer Demand Generation Campaign
Microsoft reaches out to customers directly, promoting the fact that Certified for
Windows Vista software (and devices) provide superior experiences with Windows Vista-based
PCs. Connecting with over 400,000 Windows users through targeted emails and online
traffic-generating strategies, Microsoft communicates this message of quality and
interactivity by presenting visual scenarios of Certified for Windows Vista software
and devices working better together.
Look for the Logo: Consumer Demand Generation Campaign
The purpose of this initiative is to drive consumer perception that software and
devices with the Certified for Windows Vista logo provide a premium experience.
Consumers are engaged with this campaign through media that feature a sweepstakes
to win Certified for Windows Vista products provided by participating partners.
Customers find their way to the campaign microsite,
www.lookforthelogo.com, by following ads featured on high-profile,
high-traffic sites such as Amazon.com, Buy.com, Engadget, Gizmodo, PCWorld, YouTube,
Flickr, Photobucket, IGN/Gamespy, and MySpace. The campaign microsite will feature
the sweepstakes, products, and logos of participating partners.
Works with Windows Vista
After you have earned your Works with Windows Vista logo, Microsoft supports you
as you market and maintain your application. You can take advantage of these benefits:
- Display the Works with Windows Vista logo on your product packaging and promotional
materials. Learn more.
- Ensure your product's information is up-to-date on the Windows Vista Compatibility Center. Learn more.
Logo Artwork
Help your customers identify compatible products that are designed for ease-of-use,
better performance, and enhanced security with the Windows Vista Logo Program. As
a participant in the Windows Vista Logo Program, your company is eligible to utilize
logo artwork, messaging guidelines, and marketing campaign assets in association
with products that have met program requirements.
- Download the
Windows Logo Program Partner Marketing Guide with logo usage and marketing guidelines.
- Sign into Winqual at https://winqual.microsoft.com.
- Click Software => and then choose the appropriate logo:
- Certified for Windows Vista - 3rd Party Tested
- Works With Windows Vista - Self Tested
- Click on your Product Submission.
- Click Download Artwork.
Windows Vista Compatibility Center
Microsoft recently launched the
Windows Vista Compatibility Center(WVCC) beta. The WVCC is designed to help consumers, small businesses and sales-channel partners easily identify the products and devices that are compatible with Windows Vista. The site currently focuses only on products available in the U.S. market. During this beta period, we are asking for feedback from our ISV partners to ensure that the right products are included, and that the information we are providing is accurate and up-to-date.
- If your products are widely available in the U.S. market, they may already appear in the Windows Vista Compatibility Center. You can check for your products at www.windows.com/compatibility.
- If a product is missing or is showing inaccurate information, please use the built-in site feedback forms to let us know.
- Enter "InnovateOn" in the Service Code field so that we know the feedback is coming from an ISV partner and we can prioritize accordingly.
This is an exciting opportunity to showcase all of your products that work on Windows Vista. Please don't miss this opportunity to get involved!
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