ever heard of OEM software?

[hal yankovic]

Hello! Got a question for you folks. I was thinking about buying CS3 and have been looking for the best (legal) deals and ran across this site:

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They apparently sell legal software but at very reduced rates. Just from the little I read about it it is OEM software. They describe it better than I can.

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So....has anyone ever heard of this before? I haven't seen a lot of discussion on the web about these guys or their services and thus am wondering if anyone has any inside scoop.

[PrintDriver]

Links removed (no advertising)
Describe "OEM software".
Adobe hasn't sold as OEM since Photoshop 4.

[morea]

THIS (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1613) is the only context in which I've ever heard of OEM software.

[garricks]

I thought OEM software was "Original Equipment Manufacturer" software that was bundled with hardware...like when you buy a scanner and get a copy of Adobe Elements in the box. I'm also under the impression that selling OEM software apart from the hardware it was meant to be bundled with was illegal.

:confused:

[CkretAjint]

I'm also under the impression that selling OEM software apart from the hardware it was meant to be bundled with was illegal.

Me too. That's like busting open a package of mini candy bars and selling them individually...

[hal yankovic]

Links removed (no advertising)
Describe "OEM software".
Adobe hasn't sold as OEM since Photoshop 4.
Sorry.

OK, so here are a couple select, abbreviated exerpts from the Eurosoft site:

OEM software is not final customer-oriented, it is meant for large corporations which use a lot of computing machines. These businesses do not need to buy a user manual or a branded box. All they need is a software media, e.g. a CD. Along with a boxed set the manufacturer also provides customers with technical support and some bonus. OEM products have no extra like this which brings down the cost. This is the reason why OEM software is so cheap.

Do I have to get registered on the manufacturer's web site?
No, you don't need to because this is OEM software. Our company has already registered it and so there is no need to do it again. While installation the application will ask you to get registered, click "No", "Skip" or "Do not remind me of registration"

So some of the highlights (or lowlights, as it may be): They don't mail a CD or manuals. They sell these ZIPPED archived downloads with apparently multiple user licenses already registered. These are not demo or trial versions, they're full versions. And they claim that updates can be accessed when they are available (from them, of course).

So I have no idea if this is legit or if it's an elaborate scam. I'm doing some more research elsewhere also. It's weird - there are some seemingly red flags but there are also some aspects that seem truly legit. The not having to register part is a red flag, for example.

Thanks for the input!

[hal yankovic]

I thought OEM software was "Original Equipment Manufacturer" software that was bundled with hardware...like when you buy a scanner and get a copy of Adobe Elements in the box. I'm also under the impression that selling OEM software apart from the hardware it was meant to be bundled with was illegal.

:confused:

I don't think it's that type of OEM software. Hmmm. Hafta poke around more - could be! I still have no idea what to think!

[urstwile]

I would steer clear. For one thing, Adobe requires you to activate your software on your computer, so without registration or at least the serial number, you're going to be out of luck.

[hal yankovic]

I would steer clear. For one thing, Adobe requires you to activate your software on your computer, so without registration or at least the serial number, you're going to be out of luck.
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too. Probably a scammer site.

They require it registered? At work I've been constantly getting the "update software now or later" message but just hit later because of the nuisance. It's all legit software - our IT dept. buys multiple licenses and such. But it's still up and running after a few weeks (just CS3 updated). So if one doesn't register will it eventually lock up or something?

[garricks]

Do I have to get registered on the manufacturer's web site?
No, you don't need to because this is OEM software. Our company has already registered it and so there is no need to do it again. While installation the application will ask you to get registered, click "No", "Skip" or "Do not remind me of registration"

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a249/garricks/red_flag.gif

[urstwile]

There's actually a distinction between registering and activating Adobe software. Activating it allows it to work on the computer you're using it on. I think they basically check the IP address to make sure that it's legitimately activated. Registering Adobe software means that they set up an Adobe ID for you, and inform you of updates and such.

Your Adobe software won't work without being activated properly.

[vtwin_gary]

i think this is a semi scam.
what they have is a multi user license then sell you as one of the users. it will work but i think its bending the rules (a lot)

[PrintDriver]

If you don't get a disk for Adobe software, steer clear.
And report the site to Adobe.