KMS version 1.1 for Windows Server 2003 provides the same feature set as version 1.0 and the following additional functionality: The KMS host needs to be activated once with Microsoft either online or via telephone. KMS keys are provided through Microsoft’s Volume Licensing System portals (MVLS, eOpen). Computers that have been activated using KMS are required to reactivate by connecting to a KMS host at least once every 6 months. KMS based activation allows enterprise customers to host a local service within their environment to enable activation of machines running Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 volume editions within their environment, instead of activation directly with Microsoft.
Microsoft Volume Activation 2.0 is a set of technical and policy solutions provided by Microsoft’s Software Protection Platform (SPP) that gives Microsoft customers more secure and easier methods to manage their volume license keys. It allows enterprise users to host KMS on Windows Server 2003 to enable activation of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 using a KMS key. Microsoft Key Management Service (KMS) 1.1 for Windows Server 2003 SP1 and later is part of Microsoft Windows Volume Activation 2.0.
