Supporting HP TeachNow, v 1.1 update

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Microsoft MAK and KMS license activation methods
The streamed images used with HP TeachNow must be activated. Microsoft has two primary OS license activation
methods for activating desktop OS images in an enterprise: Multiple Activation Key (MAK) and Key Management
Service (KMS).
HP TeachNow is designed to be used with the MAK (Multiple Activation Key) style of Microsoft volume licensing. Use of
the TeachNow system with a KMS (Key Management Server) volume license has not been tested and may lead to
unpredictable results.
When planning an HP TeachNow installation, customer should be aware that the MAK approach is a requirement.
MAK and KMS
• MAK (supported method for TeachNow) requires a one-time connection to a Microsoft activation
server. Once an image is activated, no further communication with Microsoft is required. There are two MAK
activation methods:
o MAK Independent Activation: Each computer individually connects to Microsoft via the
web or telephone to complete activation. This is the typical end user approach for a home PC.
o MAK Proxy Activation: One centralized activation request is made on behalf of multiple
computers with one connection to Microsoft online or by telephone.
 Each MAK has a predetermined number of allowed activations, based on the Volume
Licensing agreement.
 For HP TeachNow, where one image may be streamed to multiple clients, activating
that one image authorizes streaming to the number of clients that the purchased volume
license agreement allows.
 This is the supported activation method for HP TeachNow and it is the
only tested activation method.
• KMS (not supported/tested for TeachNow): KMS is a lightweight service that can be used to
complete activations on a local network so individual computers do not need to connect to Microsoft for
activation.
o In an enterprise, a KMS host service on the local network can provide activation to multiple
individual systems, but only one contact with the Microsoft activation server is required.
 A KMS host key is used to activate the KMS host with a Microsoft activation server.
 A KMS host key can activate six KMS hosts with 10 activations per host.
 Each host can activate an unlimited number of computers.
o This method has not been tested and is not supported for HP TeachNow.
• Refer to the Microsoft FAQ on Volume Licensing Keys
for additional detail.