The new server role tools available in Windows Server 8 (still Beta) simplify the process of configuring volume activation services for a network, thereby making it possible for users to obtain client licenses without administrator intervention, and generally without the user being aware that the activation process is taking place.
Several new changes to activation technologies have been made to make client and server activation easier to install, manage and configure.
- Active Directory-Based Activation
- Volume Activation Services Server Role
- Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) 3.0
- Activation and validation occurs simultaneously
- Activation Center
- New licensing and re-arm changes
In addition, improved configurability makes it possible for network administrators to update volume activation configurations quickly and reliably, thus maintaining support to clients attempting to activate their software.
Also note that the grace period for activation has been removed. Windows must be activated immediately. Failure to activate Windows will result in the inability to perform operating system customization.
Remeber: Once again, this is based on beta pre-release documentation and is subject to change in future releases.
See Volume Activation Management Tool Technical Reference at: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh824825.aspx
More about Server 8: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/v8-default.aspx