Revealing the secret behind the sale of genuine Windows 7

Recently, the reporter visited a number of such ultra-low-cost Win7 activation code dealers, finally learned that these low-cost genuine Win7 activation code all from Microsoft official MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network), and the sellers of these low-cost activation codes are mostly MSDN paid subscription account owners.

According to Microsoft MSDN regulations, after paying the subscription fee, MSDN paid subscribers can obtain the ISO image and related activation code of multiple Microsoft products for free.

Take the Microsoft MSDN Universal account as an example, you can download the ISO CD image of all Microsoft products, and get the genuine activation code of each product (including retail activation code 10, enterprise version, large customer version activation code 1). It is reported that the activation code applied by MSDN is exactly the same as the retail version of the product, which can be activated normally and enjoy subsequent upgrades. The only difference is that Microsoft's support service cannot be obtained by telephone.

One fold behind the interest chain behind Windows7

As early as the end of August, Microsoft had noticed MSDN users when tracing the source of the low-cost serial number on the Internet, but only dared to indicate low-cost activation code. "Probably from MSDN subscribers", no conclusions. Because of normal, MSDN subscribers are subject to high fees, and it is difficult for such subscribers to provide a sufficient number of activation codes to support long-term sales.

Still taking the MSDNUniversal account as an example, the market price is more than 30,000 yuan. It is obviously not worth the loss to apply for 10 Win7 Ultimate activation codes with such an account, but Tencent Technology has learned that many people are Relying on this business to make a fortune, seemingly unprofitable folds have already had a perfect interest chain behind Win7.

An activation code salesperson who is willing to accept an interview with Tencent Technology revealed that the activation code for Windows 7, which is mainly for individual users, is not its main business. The activation code for enterprise user products is the focus of profit.

"Many SMEs have office software and server and desktop operating system requirements. These companies generally do not have a dedicated software procurement plan and personnel. They are long-term users of pirated copies. They are difficult to accept at genuine prices. But they will also be worried about the litigation. They usually purchase a few sets of genuine spares. We can ship them to us at a price of 30% off. This is our main source of profit. Secondly, Microsoft development software and various special software of Microsoft. Such products are small in shipments, but they are very profitable; products such as Vista and Win7 that are purchased by individuals cannot bring a lot of profits, so one-off shipments go a long way."

"Although an account is expensive, if you grab a small and medium-sized business user, you can earn a small amount of money, and Win7 products should be used to earn pocket money."

When talking about supply issues, he said: "Many large companies have their own MSDN accounts, but the company will only use several of Microsoft's products. We are very familiar with the software procurement staff of these companies. Cooked, they will receive some activation codes from them. If necessary, we can satisfy them as long as they are not too exaggerated."

Is it cheap to define cheap activation codes?

Tencent Technology understands that it is difficult to define whether it is illegal to use MSDN to sell cheap activation codes. A legal worker said that such sales Behavior is different from sales piracy. Although it may violate the agreement between Microsoft and MSDN subscribers, it is difficult to give accurate judgment from the judicial point of view. "The biggest hidden danger may be Microsoft's restrictions on related products."

One-fold Win7 does not impact the regular retail version of Win7, and more consumers are pre-emptively classifying these cheap activation codes as sellers. These cheap activation code sellers are not willing to go too far. Zhang Yang caught Microsoft's attention.

In the interview, buyers of several cheap activation codes said that they chose the reason for such products or price issues. The cheap activation code balances the huge gap between such consumers' genuine awareness and purchasing power.

"If there is no such low price genuine, I guess I will choose to crack the version to deal with", a consumer who just bought a discount Win7 Ultimate said.