Meet Tamer Erzurumlu, a business development manager on the Genuine Windows team with over 15 years at Microsoft in several different roles, including building business in new countries, opening new Microsoft subsidiaries worldwide, supporting computer manufacturers with programs for preinstalling genuine Microsoft software, and launching new initiatives such as the Microsoft Office Ready program and the commercial Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program.  You’ll hear from Tamer occasionally when he has news to share about his focus areas for genuine Windows.  Today, Tamer writes:

Tens of millions of used computers and laptops are discarded each year by businesses, individuals, and organizations. Did you know there are a variety of ways to extend their life?  A pre-owned computer that is decommissioned, refurbished, and loaded with genuine Microsoft software through the commercial Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Program provides an cost effective alternative to purchasing a new PC. Reusing PCs also helps to reduce e-waste and contribute to environmental stewardship worldwide.

The commercial MAR program provides partners with a cost-effective means of delivering genuine Microsoft software, distinguishing their business practices, and certifying the validity of their offerings. It enables eligible refurbishers that partner with Microsoft to preinstall genuine Windows and other Microsoft software on refurbished PCs.  For customers, the benefits of the commercial MAR program include knowing that the software installed on their refurbished PCs is properly licensed and provides the same level of performance as they would expect when purchasing brand new PCs. Customers buying refurbished PCs will get the out-of-the-box experience they expect from a new PC.

It is estimated that many refurbished PCs being resold today by companies that do not participate in the commercial MAR program contain counterfeit software, putting customers at risk and harming legitimate refurbishers and resellers. Microsoft is committed to helping ensure that customers get the genuine Microsoft software they expect when purchasing a refurbished PC. Microsoft operates a program of refurbished PC test purchases to identify refurbishers and resellers who are marketing and selling counterfeit Microsoft software. Thousands of cases of illegal activity have been uncovered by Microsoft investigations into suspected illegal software, thanks to test purchases, mystery shopper programs and reports of suspected counterfeit from our customers and partners. This helps keep potential counterfeiters from viewing piracy as a crime without consequences.

For example, in a recent investigation conducted by Microsoft anti-piracy investigators, three separate refurbished PC test purchases were made from PC Products, a company in Illinois. These test purchases resulted in sales of counterfeit software, and were part of the routine, ongoing program started earlier this year by the commercial MAR program. As part of the settlement, PC Products has agreed to: cease and desist from manufacturing and selling counterfeit software (burned CD-R copies of Windows XP Professional recovery media in addition to other Microsoft software); allow Microsoft to inspect PC Products’ inventory and warehouse; and provide a list of those people or companies who either purchased counterfeit software from PC Products or provided counterfeit software to PC Products.

With economic and environmental concerns at the forefront in today’s world, it’s important for partners to have access to programs that are cost-effective and promote reduction in e-waste.  Learn more about the commercial MAR program, or check out the following links for additional information:

· View additional questions and answers about the investigation.

· Learn more about the lifecycle of a refurbished PC and who is typically involved in the process.

· Find out how refurbished PCs have made a positive impact on a number of communities, businesses and individuals worldwide.

 - Tamer