https://community.hpe.com/t5/operating-system-microsoft/kms-and-mak/m-p/4735405#M9884 Hi Chris,<BR /><BR />KMS : KMS requires a minimum number of either physical or virtual computers in a network environment<BR /><BR />MAK : Each MAK has a predetermined number of allowed activations, based on your Volume Licensing agreement. <BR /><BR /><BR /><BR />KMS is a lightweight service that does not require a dedicated system and can easily be co-hosted on a system that provides other services. With KMS, you can complete activations on your local network, eliminating the need for individual computers to connect to Microsoft for product activation.<BR /><BR /><BR />A Multiple Activation Key (MAK) requires computers to connect one time to a Microsoft activation server. Once computers are activated, no further communication with Microsoft is required. There are two activation methods for MAK:<BR /><BR />MAK Independent Activation: Each computer individually connects to Microsoft via the web or telephone to complete activation.<BR /><BR />MAK Proxy Activation: This method uses the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT), which is part of the Windows 7 Automated Installation Kit (WAIK). One centralized activation request is made on behalf of multiple computers with one connection to Microsoft online or by telephone. Note: VAMT enables IT professionals to automate and centrally manage the volume activation process using a MAK.<BR /><BR />ref.:<BR /><A href="http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/product-activation-faq.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/product-activation-faq.aspx</A> Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:57:37 GMT Ali 2011-01-07T20:57:37Z https://community.hpe.com/t5/operating-system-microsoft/kms-and-mak/m-p/4735404#M9883 hi<BR /><BR />What are differences between: KMS and MAK in the Microsoft Volume Licensing? Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:17:14 GMT https://community.hpe.com/t5/operating-system-microsoft/kms-and-mak/m-p/4735404#M9883 'chris' 2011-01-07T13:17:14Z https://community.hpe.com/t5/operating-system-microsoft/kms-and-mak/m-p/4735405#M9884 Hi Chris,<BR /><BR />KMS : KMS requires a minimum number of either physical or virtual computers in a network environment<BR /><BR />MAK : Each MAK has a predetermined number of allowed activations, based on your Volume Licensing agreement. <BR /><BR /><BR /><BR />KMS is a lightweight service that does not require a dedicated system and can easily be co-hosted on a system that provides other services. With KMS, you can complete activations on your local network, eliminating the need for individual computers to connect to Microsoft for product activation.<BR /><BR /><BR />A Multiple Activation Key (MAK) requires computers to connect one time to a Microsoft activation server. Once computers are activated, no further communication with Microsoft is required. There are two activation methods for MAK:<BR /><BR />MAK Independent Activation: Each computer individually connects to Microsoft via the web or telephone to complete activation.<BR /><BR />MAK Proxy Activation: This method uses the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT), which is part of the Windows 7 Automated Installation Kit (WAIK). One centralized activation request is made on behalf of multiple computers with one connection to Microsoft online or by telephone. Note: VAMT enables IT professionals to automate and centrally manage the volume activation process using a MAK.<BR /><BR />ref.:<BR /><A href="http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/product-activation-faq.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/product-activation-faq.aspx</A> Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:57:37 GMT https://community.hpe.com/t5/operating-system-microsoft/kms-and-mak/m-p/4735405#M9884 Ali 2011-01-07T20:57:37Z