Microsoft Community MAR Transition to the Microsoft Registered Refurbisher Program
Published on May 12, 2010
In May 2010, the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (Community MAR) Program transitioned to become the Registered Refurbisher Program.
The Registered Refurbisher Program is a brand new program from Microsoft that is tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized refurbishers who wish to deliver genuine preinstalled Microsoft software licenses to their customers on the PCs they refurbish.
The benefits of the Community MAR program continue in the new Registered Refurbisher Program. Licenses for Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Office Basic 2007 are available at the same cost and to the same types of recipients as in the Community MAR program: educational institutions, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, and low-income families.
However, the Registered Refurbisher Program goes beyond the benefits of Community MAR. Refurbishers can now provide all customer types with genuine Microsoft software for refurbished PCs, and more versions of Windows XP are available. Pricing is different from citizenship licensing
Beginning shortly after the launch of the new program, TechSoup will no longer be answering Community MAR calls or emails. Customer service and support for the new Registered Refurbisher Program will transition to a new working group during the open migration period.
Microsoft and TechSoup will continue to work together in several areas, including the Microsoft Software Donation Programs for nonprofits, NGOs, and libraries in several countries. Microsoft and TechSoup Global will also continue as partners for delivery of citizenship programs internationally.
Migration for Existing Community MAR Members
Existing members of the Community MAR program must migrate to the new Registered Refurbisher Program by May 28, 2010, if they wish to continue to distribute Microsoft software (including licenses obtained while they were members of Community MAR). They will receive an email inviting them to migrate to the new program using the following link: www.msregrefurb.com/RRPSite/TransitionLoginPage.aspx. To migrate, they will need their email address and Community MAR ID.
New Contact Information for the Microsoft Registered Refurbisher Program
Contact the Registered Refurbisher Program at:
- North America (English and French Canadian) — rrpna@microsoft.com
- Latin America (Brazilian Portuguese, English, and Spanish) — rrplatam@microsoft.com
- North America and Latin America fax — 1-661-554-0208
International Computer Refurbishers Summit
This year, PC Rebuilders and Recyclers will host the International Computer Refurbishers Summit (ICRS). Over the past six years, TechSoup Global organized this series of annual computer refurbishers conferences, which have been held in various cities around the United States and Canada. The events provide an opportunity for people from all over the world who are working in computer refurbishment and repair, asset management, electronics recycling, and digital inclusion to meet and exchange news and information in the field. The next ICRS will be October 19 and 20, 2010, in Chicago. People interested in presenting to the conference should contact Willie Cade with their ideas.
TechSoup Global's Continuing Role in Electronics Reuse and Computer Refurbishment
TechSoup's activities in technology recycling and other green activities will focus more toward our programs as we move away from administering the Community MAR program. The Refurbished Computer Initiative (RCI) and GreenTech as well as research and advocacy in electronic reuse are among TechSoup Global's many activities and programs. TechSoup Global's and Microsoft's shared vision of bringing technology to the non profit sector remains strong as we continue to work together in programs such as the Software Donation Program while cultivating a future where all have access to technology.
TechSoup Global will continue its advocacy role for the computer refurbishment field and its involvement in the following programs:
- Refurbished Computer Initiative (RCI), which provides reliable, warrantied desktop and laptop computers to U.S. nonprofits and libraries.
- GreenTech,
- Refurbisher mailing list, in which over 250 computer refurbishers exchange information, talk shop, ask technical questions, and debate issues.
TechSoup Global will keep advocating for the refurbishment field by:
- Promoting donations of five-year-old and newer refurbishable computers and other electronic devices, mainly from business and government
- Promulgating research and new findings in electronics reuse
- Increasing public awareness of the environmental value of electronics reuse
- Diverting a much larger percentage of over-five-year-old computers and electronic equipment into a responsible end-of-life recycling stream
- Supplying low-cost computers and electronic equipment to nonprofits and libraries