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

Overview

Windows Server 2008 Software Certification

The Windows Server 2008 Software Certification program is designed to help you build and market solutions your customers can deploy with confidence immediately on the new platform.

Take advantage of the comprehensive step-by-step process guides and development resources located within this website to help you meet the technical bars for the Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo or the Works with Windows Server 2008 designation.

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.

Tell Customers Your Solutions are Ready!

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.

Click here to view full screen video

Which Solution Path Should you Choose?

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

Pledged for Windows Server 2008 Works with Windows Server 2008 Certified for Windows Server 2008
What is tested Microsoft strongly encourages that participating ISVs use the "Works with" and "Certified for" self-test tools. Industry-standard baseline for application compatibility and a stepping-stone to full certification. The technical bar that identifies applications that comply with Microsoft recommended practices for security, stability, reliability, and availability.
How testing is performed In-house self testing by ISV with no third-party validation. Self-test with results validated by independent test vendor. Tests performed and certified by independent test vendor.
What you earn N/A Official Works with Windows Server 2008 designation Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo and 50 Microsoft Partner Points. Certified for Windows Vista logo optional for client components. (Additional fees may apply.)
Marketing support available Inclusion in index of applications offering technical support on Windows Server 2008, published to Microsoft customers worldwide. Basic marketing package. Premium marketing package.
Testing price Free—using freely downloadable self-test tools available from this site. Test fee is waived (up to a US $500 value) for the first 300 passing applications through June 30, 2008. Estimated US$8,000-10,000. Pricing varies depending upon solution complexity and chosen test vendor. Contact VeriTest and Wipro for pricing details.


Works with Windows Server 2008

Demonstrate Technical Excellence to your Customers

To help developers and customers identify solutions that are compatible with the new platform, Microsoft has introduced the new Works with Windows Server 2008 designation. An affordable stepping stone to full software certification, the "Works with" validation helps developers prioritize the approximately 20 test cases covering basic application compatibility.

All the steps to earn the Works with Windows Server 2008 validation are accessible from the Innovate On website. Key features include:
  • Free downloadable test tools
  • Wizard-style automation provides results typically within one to four hours
  • Test fee is waived (up to a US $500 value) for the first 300 passing applications through June 30, 2008
  • Global visibility in the Microsoft application readiness campaign generating IT market demand for validated applications

Join the Works with Windows Server 2008 Program Today

The test fee is waived (up to a US $500 value) for the first 300 passing applications through June 30, 2008. Enroll on the Innovate On Windows Server site to keep apprised of valuable opportunities, profile your solution, and start testing your solution using the free, downloadable test 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.

Learn & Build Test & Submit Market
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 designation:
  1. Get Windows Server 2008
    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 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

    • 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

    • Windows System State Analyzer Tool
      Create snapshots of the computer—which include fixed drives, services, drivers, and registry settings. Users can create two snapshots at different points in time and compare them to view differences. A detailed report can be generated at the end of a compare operation.

      Download

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

      Download

    • Self-Test Your Application
      Using the "Works with" Tool, self-test your product to confirm that all technical requirements are met prior to sending your results for validation by the authorized test vendor of your choice.

    • "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

    • Use the Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) site to start the submission process and complete the steps for obtaining the Works with Windows Server 2008 validation.


Achieve independent validation of your test results
Complete the following steps to begin taking advantage of the marketing opportunities available to validated software:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Create a New Submission
    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 logo status with Windows Server 2008 customers.
  • 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 logo. Get Started with WHQL.

  • Contact One of Two Authorized Test Vendors:
    The following Microsoft-approved authorized test vendors are ready to test and qualify your applications:
    • 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 x254
    • Wipro—Visit website, send an email, or call:
      United States: +1 (425) 577-5035
    • 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.
    • Submit Your Test Logs for Verification
      Send the "Submission package" (a .ZIP file generated by the "Works with" tool) to the test vendor. To create a submission package, go to "Works with" tool and select "Create a submission package" operation. Select the test you want to submit and follow the steps to create this .Zip file.

      Note: The .ZIP file is encrypted and you won't be able to open it. Test vendors will not accept any other test logs (or) HTML reports.

      Works with Windows Server 2008 test fee is waived (up to a US $500 value) for the first 300 passing applications through June 30, 2008.

      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.
Marketing benefits for validated Works with Windows Server 2008 solutions
Customers are actively seeking solutions they can deploy with confidence on Windows Server 2008. By earning the Works with Windows Server 2008 designation, you can tap into Microsoft's global audience and help customers find your compatible solutions. We've listed a few of the marketing benefits below:

Standard benefits Works with Windows Server 2008 Certified for Windows Server 2008
Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo   X
Certified for Windows Vista logo (for client component)   X
Official Works with Windows Server 2008 designation X  
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
Pricing Test fee is waived (up to a US $500 value) for the first 300 passing applications through June 30, 2008. Estimated US$8,000-10,000 for most applications. Pricing varies depending upon application complexity and chosen test vendor. Contact VeriTest and Wipro for pricing details.


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

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 the highest technical bar for stability, security, reliability, availability, Windows operating system fundamentals, and platform compatibility. The logo you earn proves your solution's technical excellence and is a competitive differentiator for use throughout your sales channels.

How To Proceed

All the steps to earn the Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo 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


Learn & Build Test & Submit Market
Complete the following steps to begin the certification process:
  1. Get Windows Server 2008
    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

    • Windows System State Analyzer Tool
      Create snapshots of the computer, which include fixed drives, services, drivers, and registry settings. Users can create two snapshots at different points in time and compare them to view differences. A detailed report can be generated at the end of a compare operation. This tool is required for certification testing.

      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 Logo 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 Logo 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.
    • Submission Process
      Use the Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) site to start the submission process and complete the steps for obtaining the Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo.


Complete the following steps to test your application, and begin taking advantage of the marketing opportunities available to certified software:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Create a New Submission
    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 logo status with Windows Server 2008 customers.

  • 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 logo. Get Started with WHQL.
  • Contact One of Two Authorized Test Vendors:
    The following Microsoft-approved authorized test vendors are ready to test and qualify your applications:
    • 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 x254
    • Wipro—Visit website, send an email, or call:
      United States: +1 (425) 577-5035
  • 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 logo 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.
Marketing benefits for Certified for Windows Server 2008 solutions
Connect with increasing market demand for applications that customers can deploy with confidence on Windows Server 2008. By earning the Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo and/or the Works with Windows Server 2008 designation, you can tap into Microsoft's global audience using the following marketing benefits:

Standard benefits Works with Windows Server 2008 Certified for Windows Server 2008
Certified for Windows Server 2008 logo   X
Certified for Windows Vista logo (for client component)   X
Official Works with Windows Server 2008 designation X  
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
Pricing Test results validation fee is US$500 through June 30, 2008. Estimated US$8,000-10,000 for most applications. Pricing varies depending upon application complexity and chosen test vendor. Contact VeriTest and Wipro for pricing details.


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