Windows 8 vendors sour over new verification process

A new verification system for Microsoft's upcoming flagship operating system Windows 8 is hitting a sour note with original design manufacturers (ODMs) and brand vendors, a tech site reported. DigiTimes quoted sources who said the verification system, OA 3.0, will add complications as it is unclear which side will shoulder the increased cost. "For the OA 3.0, Microsoft plans to pre-install the Windows 8 operating system into PC's BIOS and will have consumers key-in the authorization key to activate the software through an Internet connection and will completely abandon its previous method of using a COA label," it said. But it said its sources pointed out the current procedure of installing the Windows operating system into a hard drive is much easier for their assembly lines. They said an existing production line can easily manufacture 1,000 PC units in a very short time. If Microsoft changes its install method for Windows 8, the installation will take a longer time as compared to just sticking a COA label on a PC. Also, notebook ODMs will also need to pay extra to provide their technicians training, DigiTimes said. Two-faced game? DigiTimes said its sources also said the ODMs believe Microsoft is playing a two-faced game with the notebook players. On the one hand, Microsoft has told notebook ODMs that brand vendors will pay all the increased cost, while they told the brand vendors that ODMs will be responsible for the cost. But since there is still not yet a firm result about which side will handle the cost, the two sides have been at odds over the issue. — TJD, GMA News