Channel partners are largely pleased Microsoft will ship the full OS bit set with all versions of Vista. Nevertheless, some partners worry about losing service revenue and customer account control.
According to several sources briefed on the Vista packaging plans, the Redmond, Wash., software giant will market several versions of Vista in the United States but will distribute the same master OS bit set with all copies shipped so that users can unlock and step up to more full-featured editions electronically. “No matter which edition you buy, you get all the bits and a key to unlock it,” said one source.
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