***What is the difference between OEM, RETAIL and ESD license?

 What is the difference between OEM, RETAIL and ESD license?

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-OEM-RETAIL-and-ESD-license

The terms OEM, Retail, and ESD (Electronic Software Delivery) refer to different types of software licenses, particularly in the context of operating systems and applications. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. OEM License

Definition: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This type of license is typically pre-installed on hardware by the manufacturer.

Characteristics:

Tied to Hardware: The license is often tied to the specific hardware it was installed on and cannot be transferred to another device.

Cost: Generally cheaper than retail licenses.

Support: Support is usually provided by the hardware manufacturer rather than the software publisher.

2. Retail License

Definition: A retail license is purchased directly by consumers from a store or online.

Characteristics:

Transferable: Typically, retail licenses can be transferred to another device if the software is uninstalled from the original device.

Support: Comes with customer support from the software publisher.

Cost: Usually more expensive than OEM licenses.

3. ESD License

Definition: ESD stands for Electronic Software Delivery, which refers to licenses that are delivered electronically rather than in physical form.

Characteristics:

Delivery Method: Purchased and downloaded online, often through the publisher’s website or a digital storefront.

Flexibility: ESD licenses can be similar to retail licenses in terms of transferability, but this can vary depending on the publisher's policies.

Cost: Pricing can vary, but ESD licenses are often competitively priced.

Summary

OEM: Tied to hardware, non-transferable, cheaper, support from manufacturer.

Retail: Transferable, more expensive, support from software publisher.

ESD: Delivered electronically, can be transferable, pricing varies.

Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions based on your needs and usage scenarios.

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