Microsoft offers hardware vendors
a testing program leading to award of the Designed for Windows logo.
This logo provides purchasers and end-users with confidence that systems
and peripherals will work with the Windows operating systems. The program
allows vendors to leverage the worldwide awareness of the Windows brand
through the use of the windows logo. That logo, on the vendor's product
packaging, advertising or website, signals to customers that the product
has been tested to verify that it meets Microsoft standards for compatibility
with Windows. The product also receives exposure on the Microsoft website.
What is WHQL?
WHQL is the facility within Microsoft that is responsible for the
"Designed for Windows" logo. The acronym "WHQL"
is Windows Hardware Quality Labs. The "WHQL Process" can
look very complicated to a vendor unfamiliar with the steps needed
to get a system or device logo'd. Allion
can guide you through this process and will work with you to get your
product successfully tested and logo.
The purpose of the Microsoft
Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) is to ensure the compatibility
of hardware with Microsoft Windows operating systems. WHQL provides
test kits to qualify devices, systems and servers for the "Designed
for Windows" logos and for inclusion on the Windows Hardware
Compatibility List (HCL). (this from the Microsoft WHQL web site)
What can Allion do?
For nearly a decade, Allion
has been an authorized testing site for Microsoft's "Designed
for Microsoft Windows" logo program. With our tremendous experience
in assisting vendors with both WHQL pre-testing services and navigation
of the WHQL process, Allion
is your top alternative for getting "Designed for Microsoft Windows"
logo.
Allion
is experienced with all aspects of WHQL testing and can provide vendors
with prompt feedback on failures and advice on what is required to
achieve a passing result. If a product does not pass the pre-test
program, Allion
can work with the vendor to debug the problems. Vendors may submit
products as often as they would like; Allion
will debug the product until it passes the test. The pre-test report
remains confidential-it's not shared with Microsoft by Allion.
Methodology varies depending
on the type of device being tested (system, modem, storage device,
etc.) Details on the tests and the process can be found on Microsoft's
site. For an overview of the WHQL process, please look at the following
link:
More information from
Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winlogo/default.mspx
