Create a competitive advantage. The OEM Hardware Solutions competency rewards system builders like you with tools to better distinguish your high-quality, Windows-based hardware solutions in highly competitive environments. Enroll today in the Microsoft Partner Program for exclusive system builder resources!

OEM Hardware Solutions competency members can access tools and resources in the following specializations:

System Building
Get resources—like project guides, downloads, and newsgroups—to help you expand your skills and build, configure, and customize PC and server solutions with preinstalled Microsoft software.

Device Manufacturing
Take advantage of Windows Hardware Quality Labs, specialized training, and help from technical services coordinators to prevent issues in your manufacturing processes.

As a competency member, you’ll receive these valuable benefits:

• More internal use software licenses. You’ll receive internal-use licenses of Microsoft Windows Vista Business Edition and Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 licenses, plus additional Microsoft software. In the competency Welcome Kit, you’ll receive OEM software versions of Windows Vista Business Edition, Microsoft Office Professional 2007, Microsoft Small Business Server Premium Edition, and their corresponding OEM Preinstallation Kits.
• Logo usage and branding. Be recognized as an expert in delivering high-quality hardware solutions using Microsoft products. Distinguish your company as a Microsoft Certified or Gold Certified Partner that has attained the OEM Hardware Solutions competency by displaying custom logos that clearly set you apart from the competition. Market the quality of your products with the "Designed for Windows" logo with Windows.
• Listing in the Microsoft Partner Channel Builder. Find partners with complementary services/products that enable more robust customer solutions. Broaden your reach and solution by getting listed in the Microsoft Partner Channel Builder tool, which can help you find and network with other Microsoft partners in your area.
• Account management. Microsoft Certified and Gold Certified Partners are allocated Microsoft Account Management resources, for a closer partnership with Microsoft.

Note: All benefits may not be available in all regions and are subject to change.

You’ll also have access to technical training, support and cooperative marketing funds. Learn more about these and other benefits of the OEM Hardware Solutions Competency.

Learn about the requirements for attaining the OEM Hardware Solutions Competency.

Trying to reach Certified or Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program? You can earn up to 50 Partner Points by meeting the qualifications of the competency.

It’s easy to attain the competency.
Attaining the OEM Hardware Solutions competency may be closer than you think. In fact, you may already meet many of the competency requirements. To qualify, you must:

1. Purchase the required number of Windows licenses.
2. Employ or contract with individuals that have passed the required certification or testing requirements.
3. Provide three current customer references.
4. Complete the enrollment process for the Microsoft Partner Program and the OEM Hardware Solutions competency, including paying the Microsoft Partner Program fee.