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Windows Vista Developer Center

The OEM Ready Program

The OEM Ready program is a quality assurance program that increases customers’ satisfaction with partner products.  OEMs that pre-install only OEM Ready applications will be taking their first steps towards a much improved Windows computing experience.  All ISVs who wish to have their applications preinstalled by OEMs need to complete OEM Ready testing or have their software Certified for Windows Vista.

The OEM Ready testing requirements are a subset of the Certified for Windows Vista requirements that have been identified as key to OEMs. Available testing tools, guidance and a streamlined process make it easier for partners to advance through these requirements in a manner that provides customers the best out of box experience with their software.

 

Program Benefits:

Improve customer satisfaction
The OEM Ready program helps to ensure that applications address the criteria customers use to judge quality: compatibility; reliability; and well-behaved installs and un-installs.

Fewer calls to technical support
The OEM Ready tests have been designed to identify and address the most common issues that plague applications today.

Direct connection to Microsoft
Guidance, testing tools, a streamlined process and free technical support make it easier for partners to meet and surpass the software quality tests.

Be ready to capitalize on customer demand
Rapid customer adoption of Windows will create a tremendous market opportunity for applications that are ready for pre-install and optimized for the Windows platform.

 

Key dates for the OEM Ready program:

Today – Accepting submissions, download the test suite to begin qualification process

October 15, 2008 - Audit tool and test suite V2.0 release

February 1, 2009 – Unclassified application drivers must be signed by Microsoft Windows Logo Program

 

Development guidance Plan AheadBefore you build

Determine your application’s eligibility:

Read the OEM Ready program documentation to understand the application’s eligibility and what test cases applications must pass: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9093188. New Update Available Now!
If your software is already Certified for Windows Vista, you are already considered OEM Ready.

 

Development first stepsBuild & Pre-Test 3 weeks prior

Test your application:

After you build your application, confirm it will pass the OEM Ready Program Test Cases. 

Download the OEM Ready software qualification test suite: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9093232. New Update Available Now!

Test suite training materials:

Manual: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9093231
Video: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9300875

Send test suite feedback to: oafeedbk@microsoft.com

Technical support for the OEM Ready program: mdasw@microsoft.com

OEM Ready Program Frequently Asked Questions

 

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.

OEM Ready Testing Issue Resolution Form: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9147562

 

Development final steps Submit Test Results1 week prior

OEM Ready Submission Process Overview

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.

  1. Obtain a code-signing ID.
    This ID is required for submitting your product to the OEM Ready Program through Windows Quality Online Services. This ensures your organization is authentic and to secure transmission of applications and test results to Microsoft.
  2. Establish a Winqual account
    A Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) account is necessary to submit products to the OEM Ready Program.
  3. Submit Test Results
    1. Log on at: http://winqual.microsoft.com
    2. Select from WINDOWS LOGO PROGRAMS --> SOFTWARE --> OEM Ready
    3. Edit an existing submission, or click CREATE NEW to start a new OEM Ready submission
      • Upload your qualification report and log files package
      • Answer the questions about your application
      • Sign any required legal agreements
  4. Check Submission Status.
    After the completion of the review, the status of the submission ID will change to indicate whether the application has passed or failed testing.  If your test submission fails, you can submit new logs to Winqual for retest after reported failures or omissions are corrected.

 

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