Frequently Asked Questions

Answers directly from Advantech Microsoft Experts

General | Windows 10 IoT/ Windows 11IoT | Server Licencing

General FAQs

Who can sign up for a Microsoft Customer License Agreement (CLA)?
Any company that builds dedicated appliance solutions.

Do additive CALs work with only specific editions of server software, such as Standard Edition or Enterprise Edition, or do they work with any edition?
Generally, additive CALs can access any edition of server software. For example, Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange Server 2013 are available in both a Standard Edition and Enterprise Edition. The Exchange Standard CAL and Exchange Enterprise CAL may be used with either edition of the server software.

Is there a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for Microsoft Embedded IoT?
No, there is no MOQ. Therefore, customers can simply purchase a quantity of 1.

Is there a cost associated with signing the Microsoft agreement?
No, there is no cost to sign and no financial commitment or minimum purchase requirement.

What is delivered when I order a Microsoft Embedded IoT product?
The Microsoft Embedded products are all COA sticker licenses only with no media and in some cases no product key depending on PKEA vs EPKEA. OEM’s are responsible to download the media from the Microsoft Software Order Center and build their own custom image.

What is the difference between LTSB and CBB Licenses?

How do I obtain a Windows Embedded license?
Step 1 - Evaluation
• Embedded OEM Customer (OEM) contacts ADVANTECH, Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor.
• OEM obtains evaluation software or purchases a full version toolkit, if needed, from ADVANTECH.

Step 2 – Sign CLA
• OEM Customer signs OEM CLA electronically.

Step 3 – Development and Testing
• For FES and POSReady products, ADVANTECH provides the OPK (OEM Preinstallation Kits) for installation.
• For WES and CE products, OEM completes development of the master embedded image.

Step 4 – Order License
• OEM Customer signs OEM CLA electronically.
• For FES & Server product, key locates on the COA or on a flyer that comes with the COAs.
• For WES & POSReady & CE product, customer apply product key from Microsoft on first order.

Step 5 – Distribution
• Customer manufactures and distributes embedded systems with a Certificate of Authenticity and End User License Agreement as specified in the CLA.

Is it possible to purchase an OEM Embedded software license from other OEM manufacturers?
No. An OEM Embedded software license can only be purchased from Microsoft authorized distributors. An OEM Embedded software license is prohibited from being resold.

If an OEM has an existing CLA through another distributor, can the OEM use it to buy from Advantech?
Yes. An OEM will only need to provide CLA number and CLA associated email address to Advantech for verification and then Advantech can complete the transaction and deliver the Microsoft Embedded products.

Windows 10 FAQ

How is Win10 IoT Enterprise different from Win10 Enterprise and Win10 Pro?
Win10 Enterprise and Pro are commercial OS. IoT and non-IoT are binary identical, but sold as a different licensing program. Pro has fewer Windows lockdown features then Enterprise edition.

Is there a special license for field upgrade?
Yes, there is upgrade license for Win10 IoT Enterprise, but the price is no different than regular license. There is no discount for upgrade.

What are the benefits of having an EPKEA vs PKEA Licenses?

What is the Value Based model based on What processor I have?

Server Licensing FAQ

What are the different licensing Models Advantech offers?

• With Server + CAL licensing model, not only the server need to be licensed, but also the access need to be covered by CAL( Client Access License)
• With Unlimited access licensing model, Only the server has to be licensed, and it gives unlimited access to the server.