Windows 7 was finally released today after much anticipation.

So how does that affect you the affiliate marketer? It turns out they have extremely strict guidelines in regards to promoting products as “Windows 7 Compatible” in your landing pages and marketing materials. This is an absolute must-read for anyone promoting Windows software in affiliate marketing.

The following was sent straight from Windows:

Items in green may be used verbatim

Items in red should be avoided

Questions can be sent to Windows Brand Help [winbrand@microsoft.com]

Required Guidelines for logo use:

Logo may be used when directly associated with the specific product on web pages, banner ads, etc.

Logo may not be imitated or reproduced to imply Microsoft relationship

Logo may not be altered to combined with other imagery

When logo is used, attribute as such: “Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.”

Minimum logo size: 60 pixels

Logo spacing: there must be a blank space around the logo equivalent to ¼ the width of the logo

Required Guidelines for copy:

Refer to Windows 7 as Windows 7, without abbreviations, slang, or contractions (i.e.: not Win 7, 7, or W7)

The first time Windows 7 is referred to in body copy, it must be referred to fully as: “the Windows® 7 operating system”

Do not refer to product as Windows 7 applications. Instead, refer to them as “applications for Windows 7” or “applications that work with Windows 7.”

“Windows 7” can be used to headlines, titles, call outs, as long as the full title is mentioned in the body copy (as above).

Do:

• Use “[Insert Product Name] is Compatible with Windows® 7.”

• Use “[Insert Product Name] has been tested to meet all of the technical requirements to be

Compatible with Windows® 7.”

• Use the term “Compatible with Windows 7” in headlines and other call-outs related to licensed

products, as appropriate.

Do not:

• Describe products as Windows 7 Certified.

• Describe products as Windows 7 Compatible.

• Include or substitute alternate terms such as optimized, powered, or ready in communications

about products that bear the “Compatible with Windows 7” logo.

• Abbreviate or otherwise alter the language in the logo.

Optional items:

When describing the logo (alt/title tags, etc.) the following may be used (verbatim):

Only “Compatible with Windows® 7” software and devices have passed Microsoft-designed tests for compatibility and reliability on PCs running the Windows 7 operating system. “Compatible with Windows 7” products install without worry and run reliably with Windows 7.

The following can also be used verbatim where applicable (optional):

Windows is all about making your life easier. To make it easy, Microsoft recommends “Compatible with Windows 7” applications because they have passed Microsoft-designed tests to help ensure they install readily every time and minimize the number of crashes, hangs, and restarts you experience. This all helps ensure a compatible and reliable experience with any edition of Windows 7 including 64 bit. Compatible with Windows 7” software:

• Is tested for compatibility and reliability on Windows 7.

• Passed Microsoft designed tests to minimize the possibility of crashes, hangs, and reboots.

• Represents a commitment that the product will continue to work over the life of Windows 7.

• Meets privacy standards set forth by the Anti-Spyware Coalition.

• Installs cleanly and reliably.

• Eliminates unnecessary reboots.

• Ensures compatibility with Windows 7, both 32-bit and 64-bit editions.

Further verbatim copy blocks provided by Microsoft:

Short

Microsoft recommends “Compatible with Windows® 7” products because they install readily and run reliably on Windows 7. They have passed Microsoft designed tests for compatibility and reliability.

Long

Windows® is all about making your life easier. This includes making sure all your software, printers, and devices install readily and run reliably. To make sure it’s easy, Microsoft recommends “Compatible with Windows® 7” products because they have passed Microsoft-designed tests for compatibility and reliability with Windows 7.

Short

Microsoft recommends “Compatible with Windows® 7” applications because they have passed Microsoft designed tests for compatibility and reliability with Windows 7.

Medium

Windows is all about making your life easier. To make it easy, Microsoft recommends “Compatible with Windows® 7” applications because they have passed Microsoft-designed tests for compatibility and reliability with Windows 7. These applications support 64-bit technology and have passed tests to minimize the possibility of crashes, hangs, and restarts.

Long

Windows is all about making your life easier. To make it easy, Microsoft recommends “Compatible with Windows® 7” applications because they have passed Microsoft-designed tests to help ensure they install readily every time and minimize the number of crashes, hangs, and restarts that you experience. This all helps ensure a compatible and reliable experience with any edition of Windows 7, including 64-bit.