How To Certify Your VB App with Microsoft Windows Logo Program

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The information in this article applies to:

- Professional and Enterprise Editions of Microsoft Visual Basic,

  16-bit and 32-bit, for Windows, version 4.0

SUMMARY

This article describes how to certify your Visual Basic for Windows application with the Microsoft Windows Logo Program.

Microsoft Windows Logo Program

The Windows Compatible Logo denotes your product's compatibility with Microsoft Windows. In addition, licensing the Windows Compatible Logo indicates that your product has been developed specifically to take advantage of the Windows operating system.

For software products to qualify, the product must be written to the Windows API, include a Windows-based automated installation program, be tested on Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows for Workgroups, and Microsoft Windows NT operating systems, and pass the Windows Compatibility Survey. To request a kit to license this the Windows Logo, fax your company name and address to:

- (425) 936-7329 (Attn: Windows Logo Department)

For hardware products to qualify, the product must require a Windows driver, include a Windows-based automated installation, and pass testing by the Microsoft Compatibility Labs (MCL). For more information on MCL, see the next section.

Microsoft Compatibility Labs

Microsoft Compatibility Labs (MCL) provides fee-based compatibility testing services for device and device driver developers. MCL testing is extensive and comprehensive in each category for which testing is offered. As a result, customers are assured a very high level of compatibility between tested devices and Microsoft operating systems.

When your device is certified by MCL, you receive a number of marketing opportunities including the "Microsoft Windows Compatible" logo for use in brochures, ads, and product packaging. For information on the certification program for your device category, contact MCL at:

- Telephone: (425) 635-4949 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST) - Fax: (425) 936-7329 (Attn: MCL, Bldg. 20) - E-mail: MCLInfo@Microsoft.COM (Internet)

Microsoft Beta Test Programs

Many Microsoft products have external beta programs. To be a beta tester for a Microsoft product, send a letter with the following information:

1. Hardware Configuration: A complete hardware description of the computing environment you will be using, including: computer, monitor, graphics card, memory cards, add-on cards, and any peripheral devices (printers, plotters, modems, CD-ROMs, etc.).

2. Software Configuration: A complete software description of the operating system environment you will be using, including operating systems, all relevant drivers, and applications.

3. Reasons you want to be a beta tester: Including any experience you have using the product and previous experience doing beta testing.

Microsoft Corporation Attn: <insert ProductName> Beta Test Coordinator One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98053-6399 USA