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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. Windows offers the largest install base. In particular, Windows
Vista has gained momentum in the PC market, with 90% of Windows-based notebooks
sold worldwide running Windows Vista Home Premium. 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 the platform allows
you to maximize your impact, enlarge your product's install base, and assure users
of your solution's compatibility.
The Windows Logo Program
To help you profit from these 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.
This program emphasizes increasing the variety of software available, as well as
enhancing the quality of the end-to-end experience for customers.
With tools, resources and guidance, the Windows Logo Program is designed to reduce
development costs and improve time-to-market.
The Certified for Windows Vista and Works with Windows Vista logos help customers
identify compatible products that are designed for ease-of-use, better performance,
and enhanced security with Windows Vista.
For an overview of the certification process, download the process document associated
with the logo you are interested in:
Certified for Windows Vista Process Document
Works with Windows Vista Process Document
To explore the certification process in detail, visit the
Build and
Test and Submit pages.
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.
Building for Windows
The Windows Logo Program provides the specifications you'll need for building your
software on new Windows Vista technologies. Applications that leverage these technologies
deliver important user benefits:
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Enhanced application security and compatibility
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Meet 10 requirements that include such features as User Account Control, signed
files and drivers, proper version checking, and concurrent user sessions.
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Improved installation experience
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Accomplish 14 installation objectives, which include using Windows components, installing
to correct folders, avoiding reboots, and supporting command line installations.
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Increased application reliability
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Eliminate unnecessary reboots and application failures.
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Choosing the Right Certification
Depending on your business goals, you can pursue one of two Windows Vista certifications.
Each is represented by a distinct logo that you can display on your product.
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Certified for Windows Vista
The Certified for Windows Vista logo indicates that an application delivers a superior
experience on the Windows Vista platform.
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Works with Windows Vista
The Works with Windows Vista logo represents baseline compatibility with the Windows
Vista platform.
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Earning a Logo
Whichever certification you choose to pursue, you will need to keep logo program
requirements in mind as you build and test your application. See individual logo
requirements and guidance below.
Certified for Windows Vista
To be Certified for Windows Vista, your application must achieve the highest standards
of compatibility, reliability, security, and performance.
Determining Eligibility
You should determine whether your application type matches the criteria for this
certification. Read the
Application Eligibility and Testing Applicability Overview to learn about
these criteria.
Meeting the Requirements
Read the
Requirements for the Certified for Windows Vista Logo to learn about the
technical requirements your application must meet to obtain this certification.
Pretesting Your Application
Read the
Certified for Windows Vista Test Cases to understand what tests your application
must pass and whether you might be eligible for certain testing waivers. By preparing
and testing for these cases in advance, you will complete the certification process
more efficiently. Building the test cases into your regular testing process will
greatly improve the overall certification process. You may choose to use a third
party for additional pre-testing. VeriTest is a Microsoft-approved testing authority
that offers pre-testing services for this certification. VeriTest will provide you
with an analysis of your product's readiness for the Certified for Windows Vista
logo test and enable you to correct any logo compliance issues without disrupting
your product's release schedule. In addition, if VeriTest misses any fail issues
during pre-testing, they will waive any re-testing fees for those products. To learn
more visit the
VeriTest website.
Works with Windows Vista
To create an application that Works with Windows Vista, you will need to ensure
that it achieves a basic level of compatibility and reliability with the Windows
Vista operating system.
Meeting the Requirements
Read the
Requirements for the Works with Windows Vista Logo to learn about the requirements
your application must meet so that it Works with Windows Vista.
Need a Copy of Windows Vista?
Test your application on a copy of Windows Vista. If you are an MSDN subscriber,
you can
download the latest versions of Windows Vista. If you don't have an MSDN
subscription,
enroll for one today.
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 OEM Ready test suite feedback to:
oafeedbk@microsoft.com.
For questions or support, please send e-mail to:
mdasw@microsoft.com.
Testing and Submitting
Visit the
Test and Submit page to learn more.
Testing for a Windows Logo
To ensure a premium user experience, Microsoft requires specific testing procedures
for the Windows Logo Program. Each certification 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, explore the appropriate section below:
Certified for Windows Vista
The Certified for Windows Vista logo promises an application that has been independently
tested for reliability, security, and other high-performance traits by a third-party
testing authority. To help you prepare for the final test process, Microsoft has
test cases available for you to evaluate your application internally.
- Winqual Account Creation
Visit the Winqual site
to establish the account you will use to submit your product for certification.
As part of this account creation, you will need to create a VeriSign Organizational Certificate. This certificate ensures
that Winqual receives the correct information about your product. You can obtain
this certificate at the discounted price of US$399.
- Master Logo License Agreement
At the Winqual site,
you need to sign the Master Logo License Agreement:
- Sign into Winqual at https://winqual.microsoft.com
- Click Software => Legal Agreements
- Click on the Master Software Logo License Agreement
- Read the Agreement => Sign and date the signature block => Submit
- Winqual Submission
Now go to the Winqual
site and use your account to submit your application. You will be prompted to use
the Microsoft Product Identification Tool to create a unique
signature that Microsoft can use to identify your application.
- Testing Waivers
Consult the Certified for Windows Vista
Test Cases to determine whether your application might be eligible for certain
testing waivers. If you determine that you are eligible for such a waiver, you can
complete a Certified for Windows Vista waiver application and submit it to Microsoft for approval.
- Final Testing
Submit your application to a Microsoft-approved testing authority:
- Final Certification
Once you have received your "passing" email notification, return to the Winqual
site to finalize your Logo License Agreement and take advantage of several certification
benefits.
- Sign into Winqual at https://winqual.microsoft.com
- Click Software => 3rd Party Verified => Sign Exhibit
Alternate Versions
If you have created an alternate version of your Certified for Windows Vista application,
you can obtain a logo for this product, too. Just follow the steps described below.
NOTE: This alternate product must be a "subset" of the originally
certified product. For example, a basic version of an application would be a subset
of the professional version of that same application.
To make your alternate application Certified for Windows Vista, follow these steps:
- Create a new Winqual submission.
- Contact the testing authority that certified your original application and let them
know that this new product is a subset of that application.
- On the 64-bit version of Windows Vista, the testing authority will perform the following
tests: 12, 15, 17, 23, and 31.
- Once this new application passes, and the testing authority verifies its eligibility
with Microsoft, you will receive the same Certified for Windows Vista logo for this
product and all the attending benefits.
If you have more questions about how to certify multiple applications with the same
base code, contact
swlogo@microsoft.com.
Works with Windows Vista
The Windows Logo Program provides you with the guidelines you need to self-test
your application for compatibility. This basic level of certification requires only
internal testing before you submit your application for final approval. To perform
these tests, you should follow the guidelines published in the
Application Compatibility Cookbook.
Submitting a Product
Follow these steps to create an online account and submit your application for a
Works with Windows Vista logo:
- Create a Winqual Account
Visit Winqual to establish
an account to submit your product for certification. In addition, you will need
a VeriSign Organizational Certificate. This certificate ensures
that Winqual receives the correct information about your product. You can obtain
a VeriSign certificate at the discounted price of US$399.
- Sign the Master Logo License Agreement
The Master Logo License Agreement authorizes you to use the Microsoft logo.
- Sign into Winqual at https://winqual.microsoft.com
- Click Software => Legal Agreements
- Click on the Master Software Logo License Agreement
- Read the Agreement => Sign and date the signature block => Submit
- Winqual Submission
Now go to Winqual and
use your account to submit your application. You will be prompted to use the Microsoft Product Identification Tool to create a unique
signature that Microsoft can use to identify your product.
- Final Certification
Once you have received your "passing" email notification, return to Winqual and finalize your Logo License Agreement.
- Sign into Winqual at https://winqual.microsoft.com
- Click Software => 3rd Party Verified => Sign Exhibit
- Compatibility Status
At the Winqual site,
complete the Windows Vista Application Compatibility Questionnaire. This information
about your application's compatibility status will be made available to customers
through the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor and the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit.
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.
Receiving Benefits
When your product receives a certification, your company is eligible for a variety
of benefits. Visit the
Market section to learn
more.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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