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Develop next-generation server applications that are more secure, connected and drive business value.

Overview

Why Innovate On for Windows Server 2008?

With its built-in Web and virtualization technologies, Windows Server 2008 is the most robust, secure, and reliable foundation from Microsoft to date. Use it to develop, deliver, and manage dynamic applications and engaging user experiences. By building your solution on Windows Server 2008, you can deliver new and compelling value to your customers, increasing revenue and business opportunities.

Microsoft has improved the software certification program to be more achievable, valuable, and affordable. Demonstrate to your customers and competitors that your applications take advantage of key technologies, like 64-bit, and are ready to be deployed with confidence on the platform.

When you're ready to get started, simply enroll your solution using your Windows Live ID and password.



Or click below to learn more about how Innovate On can help you with your Windows Server 2008 solution.



Tell Customers Your Solutions are Supported on the Platform

You can also use the Innovate On website to tell customers of your plans to provide technical support for applications installed on Windows Server 2008. Simply enroll on our site, profile your solution, supply the date that user support will be available on the Windows Server 2008 platform, and give us your permission to publish this information to customers. Visit the enrollment page for more details. There are two solution paths that ISVs can pursue to take advantage of the marketing benefits for developing solutions on Windows Server 2008.
  • Works with Windows Server 2008 validation indicates that the application passed Microsoft’s compatibility tests on the platform.


  • Certified for Windows Server 2008 demonstrates that the application meets Microsoft’s technical bar for best practices on the platform and is ready for mission-critical environments
Click here to view full screen video

Whether or not you certify or validate your solution, you can still use the downloadable test tools to confirm compatibility and compliance with recommended practices for security, stability, availability, and Windows fundamentals.

Which Solution Path should you choose?

We've provided a brief overview of the benefits and steps associated with each option.

Standard Benefits Works with Windows Server 2008 Certified for Windows Server 2008
Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo  
X
Optional Hyper-V designation
X
X
Pricing Test fee of up to US $250 is waived for the first 150 passing tests through June 25, 2009.* Estimated US$8,000-10,000 for most applications.
50 Microsoft Partner Program points  
X
Windows Server Catalog & Marketplace—Premium Package (includes priority catalog listing, case study listing and 50 percent discounted advertising)  



X
Windows Server Catalog & Marketplace—Basic Package (includes catalog listing and 25 percent advertising discount)


X 		 
TechNet & MSDN Print/Online Advertising Discount Package*
X
X*
Qualify for the Certified for Windows Vista qualification (for client components)  
X*

*Terms and conditions apply. Contact wslogoea@microsoft.com for details.

Learn

Windows Server 2008 increases the reliability and flexibility of your server applications, saving time, reducing costs, and providing a platform for a dynamic, optimized datacenter. New features and technologies allow you to take advantage of significant demand for advanced server capabilities to tap into a substantial market opportunity.

Product Overview

Learn how Windows Server 2008 provides a solid foundation for your server workload and application requirements while being easy to deploy and manage.

Why Upgrade?

With built-in Web and virtualization technologies, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 enables businesses to increase the reliability and flexibility of their server infrastructure. Powerful new tools provide more control over servers, and streamline Web, configuration, and management tasks. Advanced security and reliability enhancements help protect the server environment to ensure a solid foundation on which to build businesses.

Get Virtual

Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V, the next-generation hypervisor-based server virtualization technology, enables the best use of server hardware investments by consolidating multiple server roles as separate virtual machines (VMs) running on a single physical machine. Hyper-V runs multiple different operating systems—Windows, Linux, and others—in parallel, on a single server, and fully leverage the power of x64 computing. Virtualization strategies in IT result in a lower TCO, due to reduced costs for power, cooling and management. Are your applications ready for Hyper-V? Test today with the "Works with" tool.

Application Compatibility Resources on MSDN

Find easy ways for your existing applications to work on the new platform and achieve the "Works with or Certified for Windows Server 2008" logo.

Training Videos

Find videos covering a breadth of topics ranging from an overview of Windows Server 2008 benefits to designing compatible applications and designing applications that exploit key features and compelling scenarios.

Microsoft Partner Program

Find training resources, including hands-on tutorials, to help you learn about and effectively promote your applications that take advantage of Windows Server 2008.

Webcasts and Virtual Labs

Discover how Windows Server 2008 provides a solid foundation for all of your server workload and application requirements while also being easy to deploy and manage. Topics covered range from Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0, a Web server and security-enhanced, easy-to-manage platform for developing and reliably hosting Web applications, to high-performance computing and security.

Application Readiness Specifications

  • Works with Windows Server 2008 indicates that the application passed Microsoft's compatibility tests on the platform.

    Download

  • Certified for Windows Server 2008 demonstrates that the application meets Microsoft's technical bar for best practices on the platform and is ready for mission-critical environments.

    Download


Build

Windows Server 2008 provides a highly secure, easy-to-manage platform for developing and reliably hosting applications and services that are delivered from the server or over the Web. New features include simplified management, next-generation hypervisor-based server virtualization with Hyper-V, increased security, and both performance and extensibility improvements which deliver a unified platform for Web publishing that integrates Internet Information Services 7.0 (IIS 7.0), ASP.NET, Windows Communication Foundation, and Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services.

Download a Trial Version of Windows Server 2008



MSN Developer Center

Get the latest information about how to develop applications on the Windows Server 2008 platform.

Developer Forums



Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista Application Compatibility Cookbook

This detailed document for developers and testers covers the most common application compatibility issues. It also provides tips for how to modify your applications or redesign them to help provide a quality experience with Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista.

Download

Top 10 Issues for Developing Windows Server 2008 Solutions

This document details top issues to consider when developing applications on Windows Server 2008.

Download

Test

Ensure your application is compatible with Windows Server 2008. The Innovate On Windows Server 2008 initiative is designed to help you test your solution's compatibility, and provide the benefits you have earned by developing solutions on the platform.
Works with Windows Server Certified for Windows Server

Demonstrate Technical Excellence to your Customers

Microsoft introduced the new Works with Windows Server 2008 logo to help developers and customers identify solutions that are compatible with the new platform.

The "Works with" test fee of up to US $250 is subsidized for the first 150 applications which pass the "Works With" validation from July 1, 2008 to June 25, 2009. All you need to do is to enroll in Innovate On Windows Server, profile your application for "Works with" and submit passing "Works with" test results to an authorized test vendor.

Join the Works with Windows Server 2008 Program Today

Enroll on the Innovate On Windows Server site to keep apprised of valuable opportunities, profile your solution, and start testing with free, downloadable tools. You can also contact the validation program at wslogoea@microsoft.com.

Start Testing with Windows Server 2008

Application test results may be submitted to a test vendor for Works with Windows Server 2008 validation. Additional terms and conditions apply. Contact wslogoea@microsoft.com for details.

Confirm that your applications are compatible with Windows Server 2008

Complete the following steps to begin the validation process for the Works with Windows Server 2008 logo. Peruse the optional Hyper-V designation to demonstrate your solution performs reliably in a virtualized environment:
  1. Get Windows Server 2008

    2. Test your application on the latest version of Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V to verify compatibility with your applications. Download the latest build of Windows Server 2008.
  2. Get the "Works with" Getting Started Guide

    3. Detailed step-by-step instructions to help you participate in the Works with Windows Server 2008 program.

    Download

  3. Get Technical Guidance
    Download the following documents and tools:
    • "Works with" Tool for Windows Server 2008
      This highly-automated tool will help you quickly determine baseline compatibility with Windows Server 2008. Get results within 45 minutes to four hours, depending upon application complexity. Any pieces of the application (installation, primary functionality, drivers, etc.) that do not meet baseline compatibility will be flagged for development refinement. Note that the Test Framework and Specifications document referenced below are embedded within this tool.

      Download

    • MSDN Developer Forum for Windows Server 2008
      Participate in the growing community that's developing applications on the new platform.


    • Technical Support
      Correspond with the Windows Server 2008 technical team to address technical issues.
    • Works with Windows Server 2008 Specifications
      Review technical requirements a server application and its client components must meet in order to become validated for Works with Windows Server 2008. This document is embedded in the "Works with" tool.

      Download

    • Works with Windows Server 2008 Test Framework
      The framework document describes tests that verify an application's compliance with to earn the "Works with" validation. This document is also embedded into the "Works with" tool.

      Download

    • "Works with" Waiver Request Form
      Microsoft may occasionally grant limited waivers for specific test requirements on a case-by-case basis. Independent software vendors seeking waivers must justify the need for a waiver, document the application's behavior and impact on users, and agree to publish the information conspicuously for customers prior to installation. Microsoft reserves the right to publish waiver documentation for customers seeking information on certified software.

      Download

  4. Create a New Submission
    Use the Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) site to site to start the submission process and complete the steps for obtaining the Works with Windows Server 2008 qualification.

    Sign in to the Winqual site and create a new Works with Windows Server 2008 submission package using your Winqual account.

    Your company may already have a Winqual account. If so, check with your Winqual account administrator for your company's Winqual access credentials.

    If you do not currently have a Winqual account, you will need to create one before starting the submission process. This requires a VeriSign Digital ID which allows Microsoft to identify your organization on the Winqual site.

    This validation ensures that only you can communicate information about your products to Microsoft. It also ensures that the right information about your application is received. This allows Microsoft to share your application's certification status with Windows Server 2008 customers.



  5. WHQL Submission ID Required for Applications Shipping with Drivers
    All application drivers must pass Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) tests and be signed by WHQL. The WHQL Submission ID is required for Works with Windows Server 2008 validation and the Certified for Windows Server 2008 qualification. Get started with WHQL.
  6. Contact One of Three Authorized Test Vendors:
    • Veritest—Visit website, send an email, or call:
      United States: +1 (425) 468-1108
      France: +33 (0)1 5605 2919
      PR China: +86 (0)10 6528 0568
    • Wipro—Visit website or send an email.
    • SpikeSource—Visit website or call:
      United States: +1 (425) 577-5035
  7. Submit Your Application for Validation
    Engage the authorized test vendor of your choice to receive instructions on how to submit your application for testing. You will receive documentation after completing the Works with Windows Server 2008 submission process on the Winqual site. This documentation is required by the authorized test vendors.

    Note: Applications may be submitted in any language. However, the testing process and communication with the authorized test vendor may be conducted in English only.

Certified for Windows Server 2008

Based on feedback from ISVs and customers, we've redesigned the Windows Server 2008 Software Certification Program from the ground up.

Designed for line-of-business and mission-critical applications, the Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo demonstrates that your solution meets Microsoft's highest technical bar for stability, security, reliability, availability, Windows fundamentals, and platform compatibility. Use the Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo throughout your sales channels as a competitive differentiator. In addition, you can earn the optional Hyper-V designation which demonstrates that your solution has passed Microsoft's mission-critical standards for a virtualized environment.

How to Proceed

All the steps to earn the Certified for Windows Server 2008 qualification are accessible from the Innovate On website. Take advantage of extensive tools, technologies, and developer resources to build, test, certify, market, and sell your solutions and receive help at each step of the development cycle. We are continually updating this site with new information and resources for developers, so please check back regularly.

Take Advantage of Major Program Improvements:

  • Free downloadable test tools that make final certification an open-book test
  • More than 50% reduction in test duration and price: Prices start at US$8,000-10,000 for most applications
  • Global visibility in the Microsoft application readiness campaign, generating IT market demand for certified applications

Complete the following steps to begin the certification process:
  1. Get Windows Server 2008

    2. Test your application on the latest version of Windows Server 2008 to verify compatibility with your applications. Download the latest build of Windows Server 2008.
  2. Get Technical Guidance
    Download documents and tools:
    • Download Windows Server 2008 Software Logo Specifications
      Technical requirements of a server application and its client components must meet in order to be Certified for Windows Server 2008.

      Download

    • MSDN Developer Forum for Windows Server 2008
      Participate in the growing community that's developing applications on the new platform.
    • Technical Support
      Correspond with the Windows Server 2008 technical team to address technical issues.
    • Download the "Getting Started" Guide
      This guide will step you through the process of requesting a product ID, submitting drivers for signatures, and other key process questions.

      Download

    • Certification Test Tool

      • This is the same test framework and tool that the third-party test vendors will be using for final certification. You now have the ability to run the certification in-house prior to submitting the application to a test vendor for certification.

      A high degree of automation built into the tool significantly reduces the time and resources required of your internal development team to run the tests.

      Download for x86
      Download for x64

      Note: For self-testing purposes, you may either use the x86 version or x64 version of the Certification Tool. The x64 version of the Certification Tool will be used by the authorized test vendor during actual certification testing. Both 32-bit and 64-bit applications will be tested on 64-bit Windows Server 2008 and 64-bit Windows Vista Ultimate operating system editions. For more details on the test environment and machine configuration, please see the Setup tab in the Certification Tool or the Windows Server 2008 Software Test Framework document .

    • Windows Server 2008 Software Test Framework
      This document is ideal for technical managers and testers who are preparing software applications for qualification under the Windows Software Certification Program. The framework describes tests that verify an application's compliance with requirements. This document is also embedded into the Certification Tool (both x64 and x86 versions).

      Download

    • Additional Certification Test Tools for Windows Server 2008
      This includes Loadgen and SignTool for executing certain test cases in the Certified for Windows Server 2008 program. Loadgen is required to execute stress tests and long term reliability tests in the Certified for Windows Server 2008 program. Users no longer need to download and configure DTM or the Windows Logo Kit in order to get the Loadgen tool. SignTool can be used to verify if application binaries are signed with a valid signature.

      Download for x86
      Download for x64

    • "Certified for" Waiver Request Form
      Microsoft may occasionally grant limited waivers for specific test requirements on a case-by-case basis. Independent software vendors seeking waivers must justify the need for a waiver, document the application's behavior and impact on users, and agree to publish the information conspicuously for customers prior to installation. Microsoft reserves the right to publish waiver documentation for customers seeking information on certified software.

      Download

    • Vendor Pretesting
      For minimal resource investment (between US$1,500 and US$3,000) you can outsource pretesting for Certified for Windows Server 2008.

      We recommend you take advantage of this service early in the application development cycle. Pretesting identifies common development challenges to meeting the Certified for Windows Server 2008 requirements. The sooner these challenges are identified, the sooner they can be addressed at a lower development and test cost.

      Contact VeriTest or Wipro for more details.

    • Get a Discounted VeriSign Digital Certificate
      All Winqual accounts require a VeriSign Digital ID which allows Microsoft to identify your organization on the Winqual site. Although VeriSign offers two classes of Digital ID, Microsoft recommends that all Partners and ISVs use the VeriSign Microsoft Authenticode Code Signing Digital ID, which is significantly more versatile and will allow you to sign executable files, device drivers, and kernel mode drivers. VeriSign Microsoft Authenticode Code Signing Digital ID Offer (US $399)

    • Get the Microsoft Product Identification Tool
      Use this tool to generate a Microsoft-recognized signature that uniquely identifies your application. This signature is required to complete the submission process on the Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) site.

      Download

  3. Create a New Submission
    Use the Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) site to site to start the submission process and complete the steps for obtaining the Certified for Windows Server 2008 qualification.

    Sign in to the Winqual site and create a new Certified for Windows Server 2008 submission package using your Winqual account.

    Your company may already have a Winqual account. If so, check with your Winqual account administrator for your company's Winqual access credentials.

    If you do not currently have a Winqual account, you will need to create one before starting the submission process. This requires a VeriSign Digital ID which allows Microsoft to identify your organization on the Winqual site.

    This validation ensures that only you can communicate information about your products to Microsoft. It also ensures that the right information about your application is received. This allows Microsoft to share your application's certification status with Windows Server 2008 customers.



  4. WHQL Submission ID Required for Applications Shipping with Drivers: All application drivers must pass Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) tests and be signed by WHQL. The WHQL Submission ID is required for Works with Windows Server 2008 and the Certified for Windows Server 2008 qualification. Get started with WHQL.
  5. Contact One of Two Authorized Test Vendors:
    • Veritest—Visit website, send an email, or call:
      United States: +1 (425) 468-1108
      France: +33 (0)1 5605 2919
      PR China: +86 (0)10 6528 0568
    • Wipro—Visit website or send an email.
  6. Submit Your Application for Certification
    Engage the authorized test vendor of your choice to receive instructions on how to submit your application for testing. You will receive documentation after completing the Certified for Windows Server 2008 qualification submission process on the Winqual site. This documentation is required by the authorized test vendors.

    Note: Applications may be submitted in any language. However, the testing process and communication with the authorized test vendor may be conducted in English only.

Market


Marketing Benefits for Windows Server 2008 Solutions

By earning the Certified for Windows Server 2008 or the Works with Windows Server 2008 logo, you can tap into Microsoft's global audience and take advantage of the following marketing benefits:

Standard Benefits Works with Windows Server 2008 Certified for Windows Server 2008
Certified for Windows Server 2008 artwork
X
X
Optional Hyper-V designation
X
X
Pricing Test fee of up to US $250 is waived for the first 150 passing tests through June 25, 2009.* Estimated US$8,000-10,000 for most applications.
50 Microsoft Partner Program points  
X
Windows Server Catalog & Marketplace—Premium Package (includes priority catalog listing, case study listing and 50 percent discounted advertising)  



X
Windows Server Catalog & Marketplace—Basic Package (includes catalog listing and 25 percent advertising discount)


X 		 
TechNet & MSDN Print/Online Advertising Discount Package*
X
X*
Qualify for the Certified for Windows Vista qualification (for client components)  
X*
*Terms and conditions apply. Write wslogoea@microsoft.com for details.

Join the Microsoft Partner Program
Register with the Microsoft Partner Program to get access to great benefits and resources (more details are available here). To join, follow the step-by-step enrollment process or associate your email address with an existing company record. Registration typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and is required to access some marketing resources.

Microsoft Partner Solution Profiler
Showcase your solution to a vast global audience of Microsoft customers and partners on the Partner Solution Profiler.