Windows Anytime Upgrade
Microsoft’s Windows Anytime Upgrade is one feature that should produce large revenue for Microsoft. All editions of Windows Vista are included on the installation disc and therefore a user upgrades by purchasing a license from a website and running the upgrade from their disc.
Many OEMs are placing the installation information on a partition of the hard drive – will this practice cease with the release of Windows Vista? Will all OEMs provide this disc at the time of purchase or will a user be required to request the disc? Microsoft suggests they will provide a means for users to purchase a disc if they do not have one. Will this cut out the OEM?
The Windows Anytime Upgrade FAQ page provides answers to more anticipated questions. For example, can I upgrade more than one computer? Apparently you must purchase one license at a time. Hopefully Microsoft will change this policy for businesses with 1000 machines or more.
Considering this documentation is beta, the anticipation for learning more about Microsoft policies is starting to build. Let us hope Microsoft provides excellent documentation for everyone interested in upgrading to Windows Vista.