Microsoft FQC-00134 Quick Reference Guide - Page 33

Volume Activation Windows product activation is a set of technologies enabling customers to confirm that their copy of Windows is properly licensed. Product activation is required for all editions of Windows 7. Volume Activation allows enterprise customers to automate the activation process and make it transparent to users. Volume Activation applies to computers that are covered under a Volume Licensing programme, and for customers using Volume Licensing media that were first introduced with Windows Vista and have now been enhanced in Windows 7. It is used strictly as a tool for activation, and it is not tied to license invoicing or billing. Volume Activation provides two models for completing activations: Key Management Service (KMS) and Multiple Activation Key (MAK). KMS allows organisations to activate computers within a customer environment through an internally hosted service (KMS), and MAK activates computers on a one-time basis by using the hosted activation services provided by Microsoft. Customers can use either or both key types to activate computers in their environments. For more information about Volume Activation and the improvements in Windows 7 please visit http://www.technet.com/volumeactivation. Quick Reference Guide - 33