Microsoft logo scheme means Office Depot won't sell non-compliant XP products

A SCHEME BEING IMPLEMENTED by Office Depot - almost certainly at Microsoft's behest - means that companies that fail to join a logo scheme will find their XP products won't appear on store shelves unless they've been certified by Redmond.

Only products that conform to Microsoft's Designed for Windows XP rules and carry its logo will be sold in Office Depot after May this year, the INQUIRER has discovered. (See memo at the foot of this article). These rules apply to both software and hardware products, and suppliers have been given a deadline to either include the Microsoft logo or see their products disappear off the shelves.

And if Office Depot is implementing this scheme in the USA, you can bet your bottom dollar the other retail outlets will also come under pressure to toe the Microsoft logo line.

The move will affect a spate of products that sell through retailers. Many have messages such as "works with Windows" and similar tags, but the new Microsoft scheme will narrow down the options for people making products and peripherals.

Many, indeed, when they're installed, carry notices to ignore the "driver is not signed" messages that come up when people use Windows XP.

Suppliers who will be affected by the scheme tell the INQUIRER that they believe the primary goal of Microsoft is to push digital rights management (DRM) through the back door. If products cannot be sold unless they have been subjected to a whole battery of Microsoft tests, they will have to conform to the rules of the software giant.

For example, multimedia and audio products will be required, as part of logo scheme, to go through the Microsoft battery. µ

Office Depot Supply Memo
Dear Office Depot Supplier,
In October 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP, which has become the fastest growing operating system in history. This operating system is built on the dependable Windows 2000 code base, features a fresh new look, enables new personal computing experiences including easy digital photo and video tools, and fosters rich communications and enhanced mobility. As you know, applications and devices that meet or exceed Microsoft's technical requirements will be awarded the Designed for Windows XP logo and be promoted in the Windows Catalog (www.windowscatalog.com).

Please be aware that Office Depot is immediately requiring all products that connect to a Personal Computer and Notebook Computer must pass these Designed for Windows XP logo requirements to be considered for retail distribution through our stores. This change is being implemented due to our on-going pursuite to enhance and simplify our fanatical customer service environment at Office Depot. Products must be certified as Designed for Windows XP by May 30, 2003.

Additionally, it is critical that your packaging carry the Designed for Windows XP logo. With the Designed for Windows XP logo on your product, Office Depot will not only ensure the best user-experience for our mutual customers, but we also anticipate it will also result in lower returns for Office Depot and lower support costs for you.

For more information regarding the Designed for Windows Logo requirement and certification, please see www.windowslogo.com.

Please note that failure to obtain this certification by the above date will result in the product being eliminated from our Retail assortment and all open purchase orders canceled.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Michael Dietrich
Vice President Technology Merchandise Division
Office Depot, Inc