With Windows XP and Office XP Microsoft introduced software activation as a way to thwart software pirates. The idea is that after you install the software the activation software gathers some information from the machine it has been installed on and then contacts an activation server at Microsoft to record the information. If another installation of the software with the same key is attempted the activation server will block the installation. If the software is not activated it will cease to work properly. Microsoft says it needs to do this because piracy is so prevalent. Generally I don't have a problem with software activation as long as it works and as long as it is fast. That is not always the case.
Corporations that have volume license agreements with Microsoft were not subjected to software activation. That's all about to change. Windows Vista will require software activation for volume license customers. There will be several methods available, but the bottom line is that corporate customers will have to activate. In fact the activation engine that Microsoft has developed allows for other software vendors to use the Microsoft activation engine to enable activation of their software products using the engine.
Again, I generally do not have a problem with Microsoft protecting their products. However, the process must be fast, reliable, and maintain the privacy of the user. Not all corporations will agree with me on this and Microsoft may be in for some backlash.
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