Getting Started with the Windows Logo Program

The Windows 7 Logo Program is designed to help your company deliver compatible and reliable systems, software, and hardware products. End users trust the logo as an assurance of compatibility and reliability. This program is intended to help you develop systems and devices that have been tested to ensure that they meet Microsoft standards for Windows 7 as well as the quality level that ensures a good Windows experience for end users. After your system or device passes Microsoft-designed tests, your company will be able to take advantage of the following benefits:

• Customer confidence that the systems and devices they choose have passed Microsoft-designed tests for reliability and compatibility with Windows 7.
• Support for your systems and devices through Windows Error Reporting, and reduced support costs through the ability to update error messages and post updated drivers on Windows Update.
• A variety of marketing benefits, including public relations support, preferential treatment on Windows 7 Compatibility Center, and Microsoft's promotion of the Windows Logo Program.

Compatible with Windows 7 Logo

The Windows 7 Logo Program is a unique opportunity for your company to help customers identify devices that are designed and tested to be compatible with Windows 7. As a participant in the Windows 7 Logo Program, your company can use logo artwork, messaging guidelines, and marketing campaign assets in association with devices that have met the logo program requirements. Using these assets helps you to extend your marketing by taking advantage of Microsoft's continued investment in promoting "Compatible with Windows 7" devices to consumers, businesses, and retail channel partners.

Participation in the Windows 7 Logo Program will also help you to:

• Ensure that your device is tested for reliability and compatibility with Windows 7.
• Take advantage of logo program creative guidelines, artwork, messaging, and customizable templates.
• Qualify for the logo through a simplified self-test process.
• Take advantage of Windows brand recognition.
• Reduce support calls and maximize returns by passing Microsoft-designed tests for compatibility and reliability.
• Support devices in the market through Windows Update.
• Receive quality rating information on crashes and problems that customers are encountering, through Windows Error Reporting.
• Receive preferred listing on Windows 7 Compatibility Center.
• Take advantage of Microsoft's e-tail syndication, reaching over 30 sites in the US and Europe and delivering over 3.7 million logo impressions per month.
• Be eligible to participate in public relations opportunities with Microsoft.

Learn more: Windows 7 Logo Program Partner Marketing Guide [PDF, 3.8 MB].

Additional Qualifications

In addition to qualifying for the Windows 7 logo, systems and devices that deliver enhanced user experiences through select new technologies in Windows 7 can earn optional additional qualifications (AQs). AQs are “if implemented” requirements for the Windows 7 logo. You are not required to integrate with these new technologies, but if you do, then you must meet the AQ requirements in order to qualify for the Windows 7 logo.

AQ-designated requirements: Systems and devices that earn the Windows Logo and also meet the AQ requirements will qualify for the AQ and will be eligible to use AQ-specific messaging to communicate the benefits of their product. Products that qualify for the Windows 7 logo but do not implement the AQ requirements may not use AQ-specific messaging.

If Implemented (I) requirements: Systems and devices that implement technology that is covered by a relevant “If Implemented” requirement must meet the criteria of the requirement in order to receive the Windows 7 Logo for that device regardless of its relation to an AQ.

Systems and devices that qualify for the Windows 7 logo may also qualify for the following AQs:

• Windows XP Mode. Helps end users identify systems that provide hardware acceleration technology supporting Windows XP Mode.
• Device Stage. A simple way to interact with your phone, camera, printer, portable media player, or other supported device from the Windows desktop.
• Windows Media Center. Available for television tuners, graphics adapters, personal computers (PCs), remote controls, and Media Center Extenders that turn your PC into a powerful DVR and let you take your television shows with you.
• Windows Touch. Available for display monitors and PCs that support multiple touch points for more intuitive and natural interaction.
• Windows HD Imaging. Available for printers and cameras that provide the best end-to-end digital imaging experience with Windows, preserving the full color fidelity of high-definition photos through image capture, editing, and printing.

When a system or device qualifies for an AQ, you can:

• Take advantage of partner marketing guides that have marketing assets and messaging that align with key Windows scenarios and technologies.
• Showcase a specific user scenario or experience.
• Increase customer confidence and purchase intent associated with additional qualifications.
• Enable customers to easily find specific devices and solutions that leverage specific technologies and enjoy a richer integration with Windows 7.
• Reach millions of users per month through a network of touch points including Windows.com, e-tail syndication, and Windows 7 Compatibility Center.
• Be promoted through additional Windows.com highlights for key technologies and hardware products.

How to Get Started

Additional Resources

• The Value of the Windows 7 Logo Program
  Learn why customers care about the Windows logo and why as a partner you should care about it, too. This webcast also describes the major changes to the Windows Logo Program to support Windows 7.
• Windows Logo Program Overview
  Find out what the Windows Logo Program is, when to use it, and how to get started.
• Getting Started with Windows Logo Presentation [6 MB] [PPT]
• Getting Started with Windows Logo Video Part 1 [registration required]
• Getting Started with Windows Logo Video Part 2 [registration required]