General

  • Who and what is eligible for Windows embedded?
    Windows embedded OS is only for task specific devices. Which means the device is sold for a certain task or domain,
    not for general purpose use.

 

  • What is CLA and Who can sign up for a Microsoft Customer License Agreement (CLA)?
    CLA is required agreement between OEM and MSFT in order to buy Windows embedded product from any disti. Any OEM can sign up CLA.

 

 

  • OEM has an existing CLA through other disti, can OEM use it to buy from Advantech?
    Yes, OEM will need to provide CLA# and CLA associated email address to Advantech for verification.

 

  • How to get a CLA?
    OEM to fill out CLA application form and send back to Advantech. Advantech will submit to Microsoft.
    Microsoft will then send an email with a link to esgin the CLA.

 

  • Is there a cost associated with CLA signup?
    No, there is no cost to signup and no financial commitment or minimum purchase requirement.

 

  • How is CLA tier determined?
    Every July, Microsoft update each CLA’s tier based on OEM’s Windows consumption in past 12 months. CLA Tier determines disti’s cost.

 

  • Can OEM buy Windows license without CLA?
    CLA is required to buy from any distributor. Standalone license can only be purchased through this channel. However, if OEM is buying Advantech HW preload with Windows. They can buy through Advantech OEM license, which does not require CLA.

Operation

  • Is there a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for Windows Embedded license?
    No, there is no MOQ.

 

  • What is delivered when I order a Windows Embedded license?
    The Microsoft Embedded products are all COA sticker licenses only with no media and in some cases no product key depending on the activation type. If ISO or OS image is needed, customer can request download link from Advantech.

 

  • Who is supplying Advantech Windows embedded licenses?
    Advantech buys Windows license from Microsoft authorized replicators. (AR)

 

  • What is the lead time?
    Advantech does stock for high run rate licenses.
    If Advantech in stock, LT is 0.
    If replicator in stock, LT is 1 week.
    If replicator out of stock, LT is 3 weeks.

 

  • Can license be returned?
    Windows license are not returnable.

 

  • How to get a master key?
    Per request, Advantech SW PM can submit key request to Microsoft based on OEM’s CLA#. OEM will receive the master key within 48 hours.

 

  • What will be the packaging format for Windows embedded licenses?
    Replicator repackage licenses in 1-pack, 10-pack, and 100-pack…etc.
    Advantech PN is not for a specific packaging format. Customer could receive any packaging format as long as the qty is correct.
    If there is packaging requirement, Advantech can create a special part number for a specific packaging format.

Product

  • What is the activation method for Windows embedded?
    CE, WES, POS Ready is using master key activation. Pro FES is with 1 to 1 product key activation. Win10 IoT Enterprise has both activation method available (PKEA/EPKEA).

 

  • What is PKEA and EPKEA in Win10 IoT Enterprise?
    PKEA is 1 to 1 activation. Unique product key is printed on the license sticker.
    EPKEA is master key activation. Master key is per company per OS. It can be acquired from Microsoft through Advantech.

 

  • How is Win10 LTSC different from SAC?
    LTSC is locked with a specific build version and will never receive “feature “updates. It is most suitable for task specific use. LTSC lacks Edge browser, Cortana, and Windows store in the OS.
    SAC receives feature updates based on the build release. It is always at the latest build version.

 

  • How is Win10 2016 LTSB different from 2019 LTSC?
    Because LTSC does not have feature updates, Microsoft releases a new LTSC edition every 2-3 years. New LTSC will include cumulated updates since last edition.

 

  • How is Win10 IoT Enterprise different from Win10 Enterprise and Win10 Pro?
    Win10 Enterprise and Pro are commercial OS.
    IoT and non-IoT are binary identical, but sold in different licensing program.
    Pro has fewer Windows lockdown features then Enterprise edition. Refer to comparison table for detail.

 

  • Can Win10 downgrade to older OS?
    The only downgrade path is from a specific Win10 SKU to XP, and from CE7 to CE5. There is no other downgrade path at this moment.

 

  • Is there a special license for field upgrade?
    Yes, there is upgrade license for Win10 IoT Enterprise, but the price is no different than regular license. No discount for upgrade.

 

  • Does Advantech offer recovery DVD for Windows?
    Advantech only provides download link for recovery, OEM can create a RDVD by themselves.

 

  • What OS requires a toolkit to build an image?
    CE and WES requires toolkit to build image. Others are installation based. For most Advantech hardware platform, Advantech has prebuilt image for CE or WES. Customer can leverage the base image and does not need toolkit to build a new one.

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