Microsoft Turns Off Some Office System Users
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Next week's launch of Office 2007 and Windows Vista will extend a perplexing feature: Reduced-functionality mode. Businesses that don't keep their software licenses up to date will find that their Microsoft applications and operating systems will go dim, if not properly activated or validated. |
Update: On November 21, Microsoft updated documentation on volume licensing and product activation. This post was updated to reflect this information.
When Microsoft announced new anti-piracy mechanisms last month, the company revealed details about Windows Vista and forthcoming Windows Server "Longhorn." Microsoft will apply similar authenticity checks to some business applications. Functionality will throttle down if the software is not verified as being, in Microsoft parlance, "genuine."
Besides Windows, reduced-functionality mode is baked into 2007 versions of Office Standard (including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word), OneNote, Project, Publisher, SharePoint Designer and Visio. An earlier incarnation of the technology flipped an off switch after 50 uses. Microsoft is reducing the number to 25 uses with 2007 Office System applications.
Two separate but related online checks can trigger reduced-functionality mode. The first, product activation failure, applies to Office and Windows. Microsoft introduced the anti-piracy mechanism with XP versions of both products.
The second mechanism is newer and trips reduced-functionality mode in Windows Vista but not Office 2007. Besides activation, Microsoft also validates that the software is genuine. The company made validation a mandatory function for Office late last month. The Office Genuine Advantage program mandates no real penalty for software that fails validation, although Microsoft blocks certain assets, such as downloads from the Office Website.
"Failure to validate your copy of the 2007 Office system as being genuine does not result in moving to reduced-functionality mode...or de-featuring the product," said Ashim Jaidka, director of Office Genuine Advantage, in a statement. "However, if the product is not activated, it will go to [reduced-functionality mode] after starting up a Microsoft Office application 25 times."
Windows Vista will adopt Microsoft's Volume Activation 2.0, which would now require businesses to active the software and re-active over time using the volume-license KMS (key-management service) or MAK (Multiple Activation Keys). Both mechanisms essentially require the software to phone home, either to corporate or Microsoft servers, to re-activate.
Analysts already warn that new anti-piracy mechanisms will slow Windows Vista adoption.
Office System 2007 products will use the older, Volume Activation 1.0, which does not require product activation for software purchased through volume licensing. Like Windows, there would be the secondary validation check, but without reduced-functionality of the software. However, software purchased through retail would go through a required activation process.
Tony Dempsey, Manager of Information Technology for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in Washington, D.C., said that the required activation process would affect his small trade association. The non-profit had previously purchased through volume licensing with Software Assurance upgrade protection. "We got it with Office XP and upgrade rights for Office 2003, but I upgraded only a few users," he said. The group's Software Assurance contract expired about three years ago. Any future Office 2007 purchases would likely be retail copies requiring activation.
Dempsey, who manages 35 users, said the activation process and policies would "definitely be a disincentive to upgrade." For now, he is considering alternatives, like OpenOffice, alongside Office 2007.
For now, the greater burden for larger businesses will be around Windows rather than Office, because of the ongoing authenticity checks. Microsoft can revoke license keys, which would led affected software to fail activation or validation. IT organizations would have to obtain and issue new license keys and re-activate software. Businesses must also ensure they have enough licenses to go around. If a queue of licenses runs out, software would fail to activate and eventually go into reduced-functionality mode.
DeGroot sees Microsoft's anti-piracy mechanisms as unnecessary burdens, because "it does not appear there is a lot of pirated software in enterprises." Reduced-functionality mode or popups about non-genuine software "can do nothing but irritate people."
Microsoft says that the majority of Office XP, Office 2003 and Windows XP piracy stems from leaked keys, primarily volume licensing and some OEM. Businesses will have to keep tighter control over Windows Vista volume-license keys. Lost or stolen keys could lead to software activation or validation failures and eventual loss of functionality.
Comments (17)
I remember some landmark cases way back in the 80s that kept developers from creating situations like this. A developer put in a kill switch that he enabled when a client would not pay (The software was vital to the client's business). He was not paid so he shut off their software. They took him to court and he lost - and I think he even had to pay damages.
From that point on many ISVs were fearful about putting anything like this in their software. Now we see it come back. I somehow doubt we will see the same result this time around if it goes to court.
Steve Wiseman
http://www.windows-admin-tools.com
Posted by Steve Wiseman | November 20, 2006 4:45 PM
I believe Anti-Piracy Mechanism's time has finally arrived.
Posted by Olay Rullan | November 20, 2006 7:52 PM
In general when it comes to big company like Microsoft, if I buy their software I do not want to do anything more than enter the key that is given to me with the product. After that I do not register.
I figure if I buy some software from somebody it is then mine and it is none of anybodys business who I am, where I am, and Of course all the other information packets of data like how often I turn it on, should be my business only. I should have a key for my edition of software and that should be the end of it. And in those rare occasions when somebody makes a copy for their girlfriends computer... BIG DEAL, odds are they are not going to sell the girlfriend the product anyway...
They should quit bing so selfish... its not like they are not making a ton of profit, and in general killing off most the little mom and pop software operations.
Posted by Gman | November 20, 2006 8:44 PM
'We don't want you using this unless you pay for it'. is what I'm hearing from MS.
The problem is (and it will only get worse) that the product is so flawed it's not worth the asking price! THIS is why MS has to FORCE people to comply. Piracy is the RESULT of MS cornering the OS market with a completely error ridden product, and asking ridiculous prices for it. It is Microsoft CREATING piracy, not piracy forcing Microsoft to 'play hardball'. I've said it here recently and I'll say it again; release a non-flawed software product and I WILL pay for it.
Posted by Rick | November 20, 2006 10:59 PM
These new checks are likely aimed at shutting down the kind of "Computer Guy" many Canadians are familiar with. You know, the kind of "Computer Guy a lot of middle class PC users up here use, from whom they get "PC service and repair" or "software" really cheap.
These characters we can guess have been bleeding software makers dry, because of their access to software and their market "size" which is considerable.
Up here in Canada it's not completely uncommon for licensed users like me to be dismayed when someone says "Oh, we just use a Computer Guy who works up at Lakewood College (not the institution's real name) and he sells us Office and PhotoShop for $50 each". In my experience most institutions (government, colleges, universities) have these Computer Guys (not always actual IT Dept. people but people who have access to software and keys, who frankly from what I can tell raid the corporate software collection to run a little business of their own on the side.
All I can say is "Good riddance, Computer Guy". It is about time everybody paid some real software freight for change.
Message to institutional and corporate software managers: Watch those license keys like a hawk from here on in. And just give the local Computer Guy a call when any keys stop working. I'm sure he has plenty in stock.
Posted by Fully Licensed User | November 20, 2006 11:46 PM
Fully Licensed User :
You're sure going to miss that Computer Guy when your paying $1500.00 for your copy of MS Office. And that Computer Guy is going to continue laughing while you're enjoying repetitive pleasure of validating with MS on a daily basis for your patches most of which will be to update your validation and WGA or OGA. And here is why he will be laughing
1. Do you really think MS can pull this off for any length of time without the hackers, crackers and pirates constantly figuring out a way around it? Do you really and earnestly think MS is that capable? That gets Computer guy rolling over silly laughing if you do. But lets for second give you an more importantly MS the benefit of the doubt that they can make it work and enforce it. This brings me to my second laughing point.
2. Person in need of help: Hello Computer Guy my kid Office x.x messed up can you help?
Computer Guy: Sure I can help do you have your validated genuine installation media?
Person in need of help: No I don't think so what is all of that?
Computer Guy: Well if you don't have the media then you're going to need to go buy a copy off Office 2007.
Person in need of help: How much is that?
Computer Guy: Well Office 2007 Standard is $399 and Professional is $499
Person in need of help: Ouch well I didn't pay but $249.00 for this Dell. Got any suggestion as to what I can do?
Computer Guy: Well I can set you up with Open Office that's free.
Person in need of help: Open Office? What the hell is that?
Computer Guy: It's a free office suite word processor, spreadsheet reads and writes Word Excel files and does anything you would need to do. Doesn't require keeping track of media of always patching and verifying that it's yours.
Person in need of help: Well free is free so hook me up.
Computer Guy: Sure no problem but it will cost you $75 for me to come install it and give you a quick demo.
Person in need of help: No problem beats the hell out of $399
Computer Guy: *chuckles to himself when Fully Licensed User starts getting Open Office files in his Outlook Inbox*
So where do I get $1500.00 from this story. Well someone is going to have to start paying MS big for the extra privileges if people start seeking and more importantly recommending the free non intrusive options.
Posted by Computer Guy from Canada | November 21, 2006 12:37 AM
Reduced functionality if you don't register? Hmm .... where have I heard that before?
Oh yeah - shareware licensing!
Microsoft reinvents the wheel and calls it something new.
Posted by Brian Abernathy | November 21, 2006 7:17 AM
Hey What's to stop microsoft banning all valid product keys when it decides the products are end of life. Therefore causing all software worldwide to go into reduced functionality mode.
This probably won't ever happen, but microsoft have put into place everything needed to make this happen. I do think that once you have paid your money for something, it should be yours to use forever, can't see this working when microsoft switches off activation servers. It might still happen for winxp, then you won't be able to use a fresh install cause you can't activate it.
I don't like activation crap for this very reason.
Posted by David Clark | November 21, 2006 12:47 PM
One question begs to be asked (for me anyway).
I am an IT manager and have a volume license. We have a lab that isn't connected to the internet for security reasons. Now what happens? I will have to install Vista at some point so do I have to make a phone call once a month on all the computers in the lab? Seems like volume licensing just lost all the reasons it had to buy into the program. I can just buy all OEM (or upgrade) licenses and activate once and be done with it.
Which seems easier now?
Oh yeah, OEM is about 1/3 the price too.
Posted by Mike | November 21, 2006 4:31 PM
If it was made by man it can be broken by man. And Microsoft had a good run in OS race But the Race is not over and Microsoft is running out breath he’s trying to keep his software out of the hand of hacker and piracy it don’t seen to be working hacker have there copy even before Bill gates Instead He’s keeping it out of the hands of consumers. Consumers will al ways l ways look for alternative. That alternative is Steve Jobs who I here have plenty of room for new comers and is already in the lead in the mp3 players (IPOD) race and not far behind in OS race. Bill Gate is suppose to be retiring in six years let see if he’s still in the lead in six years (not) or at home saying I should’ve never put that dam anti-piracy mechanisms in my operating system
Posted by ShyTech | November 21, 2006 6:03 PM
Years ago I used to wonder why so many people I would run into were badmouthing Microsoft. Whenever I would hear those criticisms back then I would usually find myself coming to Microsofts defense. I thought people were just jealous of Microsoft's success and were being unfairly critical. Boy have things changed now. I am an honest consumer who does not pirate anything and at this point in my life I'm sick and tired of living under the cloud of suspicion that the "Big Blue" has placed over me and just about everyone in the world that uses their products. I currently have no plans to purchase Office 2007 or Vista, I've been working hard to become proficient in Linux and I'm thouroughly enjoying every minute of it. Micorsoft plays a smaller role in my life with every day that passes. And it keeps getting better and better and I'm having alot more fun than I've ever had with any MS program.
Posted by George Allen | November 22, 2006 11:00 PM
Microsoft has just instituted the beginning of the demise of Windows as "THE" operating system to have. Only the rich and well healed businesses will be able to afford this expensive premier operating system. The only thing holding the rest of us back is COMPATIBILITY. I think they are giving us the reason we need to jump ship and re-learn how to run our computers.
Prediction: The next popular OS will come from China.
Posted by The way it is | November 23, 2006 12:58 PM
"You're sure going to miss that Computer Guy when your paying $1500.00 for your copy of MS Office."
$US 149 for Home and Student which allows installation on 3 PC's. More features than OpenOffice and compatible with a lot more documents.
Posted by Bruce | November 23, 2006 9:00 PM
I cut the cord on MS Office last year when I bought a new laptop to replace my desktop. I download OpenOffice, and haven't missed MS Office since then. I'm neither a student nor university faculty teaching IT anymore, and I don't have a child in school anymore. So, purchasing the Home and Student version of MS Office is not an option, if I really wanted it.
Posted by Dennis | November 24, 2006 1:11 PM
Has anyone tried http://www.ubuntu.com/? This might be a simple way to eliminate all ties with Microsoft for the average computer user.
Posted by Dennis | November 24, 2006 1:27 PM
Tried 'ubuntu' a while back -- along with several other Linux variations -- and gave up as I am one of those on the leading edge of the Baby Boomers that are disinclined -- at the very least -- at learning too much in the way of new tricks. I grew up with DOS and have kept up through all of the Windows machinations since, but, having previewed Vista in both Beta 2 and RC1 forms, have decided to wait for the bugs to be exterminated prior to venturing farther down that road. Greater invasiveness offsets richer graphics, which is the main advantage I see on the XP to Vista jump. Maybe something else new will happen before I get forced across the bridge.
Posted by Mike | November 26, 2006 10:11 AM
Fully licensed user needs to get his head out of his @ss. You must work for MS or you are just a dumb Canadian, ie. sucker! The margin that MS makes off their basic monopoly is ridiculous. I too have no problem paying for software but I will not be ripped off!! Hell if I don't like the software I cannot even return it for a refund. I will continue to use Open source alternatives as long as I can. I can hear MS now, "Piracy is costing millions", yeah while they rake in billions. What, Bill needs a bigger yacht?! They day they price the software so that everyone can afford it will be the day I pay!! Until then my motto is "If it ain't free, I don't need it".
Posted by phimanzanera | November 26, 2006 9:38 PM