Microsoft Offers Licenses For Fake Windows XP Copies

To qualify, users of illegitimate versions of Windows XP Pro must pledge to use only genuine Microsoft software going forward and agree to have their software infrastructure audited.

By Paul McDougall
InformationWeek
October 2, 2007 01:00 PM

In the latest sign that Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) expects to support its Windows XP operating system for the foreseeable future, the company on Tuesday introduced a new licensing program designed to let users of fake or pirated copies of the business version of the OS upgrade to fully licensed copies.

Under the plan, called Get Genuine Windows Agreement, software resellers can offer to their business customers a volume licensing contract that will allow them to replace fake or "mislicensed" copies of Windows XP Professional with legitimate versions.

To qualify, users of illegitimate versions of Windows XP Pro must pledge to use only genuine Microsoft software going forward and agree to have their software infrastructure audited. Once they bring undocumented copies of Windows XP Pro into compliance, program participants will have the option of enrolling the software into Microsoft's Software Assurance program -- which offers upgrades and support for an additional fee.

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