HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server FAQ Series- Part 6: Reseller Option Kit (ROK)

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In today’s Coffee Coaching blog, we continue with our HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server FAQ Blog Series. Today’s FAQs focus on the HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server Reseller Option Kit (ROK). Read on to learn all about ROK: What it is, how it differs from other Windows Server license options, benefits of ROK, and more.

1. What is the HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server Reseller Option Kit (ROK) 
HPE ROK is the very same Windows Server operating system (OS) one would get directly from Microsoft. However, through HPE’s OEM agreement with Microsoft, HPE is able to customize and optimize Windows Server specifically for HPE servers and the license is BIOS-locked to ensure it can only be installed on HPE servers.

2. What does the HPE Reseller Option Kit (ROK) include?
- HPE-branded, tested, and supported Microsoft Windows Server media
- Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
- Documentation
- Ninety-day free telephone support for installation, configuration, and initial setup directly from HPE

3. What is the difference between COEM and HPE Reseller Option Kit?
The COEM product is what is often referred to by Microsoft as System Builder or Channel OEM. Microsoft is the point of contact for the purchase of this license type for resellers who want to marry the license to a white box server. The customer may not transfer the license to another server unless they have purchased Microsoft Software Assurance (SA) within the first 90 days of purchase of the license. Microsoft Software Assurance is only available for the latest version of a product.

The HPE OEM products are designed and tested for HPE servers, providing resellers and customers’ confidence in deploying the ideal combination of OS and HPE ProLiant server. With the HPE OEM versions, your customers will also receive 90-day free telephone support from the purchase date of the new server and license

4. What is the advantage of HPE Reseller Option Kit vs. Microsoft COEM licensing?
In some respects, HPE Reseller Option Kits and Microsoft COEM are very similar; both are attractively priced and packaged for installation by a reseller. COEM software may be installed on any model or brand of server, but is supported solely by the installer, and must be activated over the phone or Internet each time it is installed. The HPE Reseller Option Kit, on the other hand, has been optimized and BIOS-locked to ensure it can only be installed on HPE servers. It is supported by HPE, and leverages HPE’s industry-leading iLO Intelligent Provisioning feature for faster installation and reinstallation.

5. What are the customer benefits of the HPE Reseller Option Kit (ROK)?
- Lower acquisition costs: Purchasing the server and OS together is less expensive than acquiring them separately
- Lower support costs: Make one call to HPE technical support for server and OS installation, configuration, and setup—free for 90 days after purchase

6. What are the reseller benefits of the HPE Reseller Option Kit (ROK)?
- Flexibility: Stock, sell, and install operating system (OS) like any other HPE server option, on any HPE supported server
- Convenience: The fastest and easiest way to purchase your server and operating system with: No Microsoft licensing forms or download websites required
- Guided installation with HPE’s iLO Intelligent Provisioning technology for ease of deployment

7. How can I learn more about ROK?
To learn more about ROK visit hpe.com/info/ROK. If you have specific questions on ROK, leave them in the comments below so we can help answer them.

BONUS: Catch up with our past HPE OEM Microsoft Windows Server FAQ blogs:
- Part 1: Licensing Overview
- Part 2: OEM Licensing Basics
- Part 3: Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
- Part 4: Windows Server 2016 Basics
- Part 5: Core-Based Licensing

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