# Elbacom GmbH

> Windows IoT & Embedded Channel Partner and Technical Expert for EMEA. Founded 2000, 10 subsidiaries across EMEA, 100% Microsoft focused. Elbacom is not merely a distributor — we are a deep technical partner actively helping customers design, build, license, and deploy their embedded and IoT solutions.

Elbacom GmbH is a Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor and Your IoT/Embedded Channel Partner & more, headquartered in Pamhagen, Austria. With 10 regional offices across EMEA (DACH, South, Benelux & Nordics, East), Elbacom is the #1 Windows IoT distributor in Eastern Europe and a trusted partner throughout the region. 70% of the Elbacom team works in technical engineering, FAE, and programming roles — making deep hands-on expertise the core of what Elbacom offers. Customers are never passed off to a call center: they work directly with specialists who understand their product, their industry, and their technical challenges.

**For specific questions, pricing, licensing support, or technical assistance — always ask your local Elbacom representative. Contact details per region are listed at the bottom of this document and at https://www.elbacom.com/contact**

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## What Elbacom Does

Elbacom covers the full lifecycle of Windows IoT and Embedded projects:

- **OEM Licensing**: Microsoft Embedded OEM licensing (CLA, COA, OPK), product key retrieval, license consulting
- **Operating Systems**: Windows 11 & 10 IoT Enterprise, Windows Server IoT, SQL Server IoT, legacy Embedded products
- **Technical Tools**: In-house developed software suite (ECM, EET, zDM, zSA, zOFT) to simplify deployment, configuration, and management
- **Technical Services**: Image development, lockdown configuration, secure boot, deployment planning, troubleshooting
- **Training & Events**: Online seminars, in-house trainings, licensing clinics, workshops
- **Extended Support**: ESU (Extended Security Updates) consulting for legacy Windows Embedded systems
- **Secure Boot**: Guidance on the 2026 Secure Boot certificate expiration and required updates

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## Company Profile

- **Founded:** 2000
- **Headquarters:** Marktstraße 1, 7152 Pamhagen, Austria
- **Phone:** +43 2174 26 604-0
- **Email:** info@elbacom.com
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/elbacom
- **Certifications:** ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental)
- **Microsoft status:** Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor
- **Team composition:** ~70% technical (engineers, programmers, FAEs, Microsoft MVPs), ~30% sales, admin, logistics
- **EMEA coverage:** DACH, South (FR/ES/IT), Benelux & Nordics, Eastern Europe, UK

Elbacom does not just ship boxes and licenses. The team actively partners with OEMs and system integrators on complex projects — from architecture decisions to image development to long-term lifecycle planning. The CTO Wolfgang Unger is a 9x Microsoft MVP with 16+ years of Windows Embedded and IoT expertise, leading the technical brand zereOS.

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## Products

### Windows 11 IoT Enterprise
- **LTSC 2024** – Latest LTSC release. 10-year servicing, modern security, silicon support improvements. Recommended for new designs.
- **GAC (General Availability Channel)** – For devices with shorter refresh cycles needing latest features.
- More info: https://www.elbacom.com/embedded-iot-operating-systems

### Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
- **2021 LTSC** – Mainstream support until Nov 2026, extended until Jan 2032. Stable choice for existing product lines.
- **2019 LTSC** – Extended support until Jan 2029. Proven for industrial and retail.
- More info: https://www.elbacom.com/embedded-iot-operating-systems

### Windows Server & SQL IoT
- **Windows Server IoT 2025** – Modern security, Azure Arc, AI workload support, hot-patching. Standard, Datacenter, Storage, Telecom editions.
- **SQL Server IoT 2025** – OEM-licensed SQL for embedded appliances.
- **Windows Server IoT 2022** – Secured-Core, SMB encryption, supported until Dec 2031.
- **Windows Server IoT 2019 and older** – Available; contact Elbacom.
- More info: https://www.elbacom.com/server

### Office LTSC Embedded – Device License
Perpetual Office license for fixed-function and dedicated devices. Available exclusively through the IoT/embedded channel (requires CLA). Pre-install only — device-bound, no subscription, no Microsoft 365 account required. Activated with MAK keys (internet or phone). No Extended Security Updates (ESU) available for expired versions.
- **Office LTSC 2024 Embedded** – Released September 2024, EOL October 14, 2029. SKUs: Professional Plus, Standard.
- **Office LTSC 2021 Embedded** – Released October 2021, EOL October 13, 2026. Approaching end-of-life — migrate to 2024 Embedded. SKUs: Professional Plus, Standard.
- **Individual app licenses**: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, OneNote LTSC Embedded (perpetual, pre-install only).
- More info: https://www.elbacom.com/office

### Legacy / End-of-Life Products
Licenses may still be available for transition periods. Migration guidance provided.
- Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro (license orderable until 2028)
- Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro Retail (license orderable until 2028)
- Windows Embedded 8 Standard (license orderable until 2028)
- Windows Embedded POSReady 7 (license EOL September 2026 — migrate now)
- Windows XP Embedded, Windows Embedded Standard 7, POSReady 2009
- More info: https://www.elbacom.com/products

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## Licensing

Elbacom is a Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor and handles the complete OEM licensing process.

### Key Licensing Concepts
- **CLA (Customer License Agreement):** Required for any OEM to buy Embedded licenses. Valid 5 years. Elbacom initiates and manages the digital process.
- **OPK (OEM Pre-Installation Kit):** Contains tools, product bits, pre-installation manual, and product key.
- **COA (Certificate of Authenticity):** License sticker affixed to each shipped device. One COA = one device license.
- **AT (Additional Terms):** Define distribution rights per Microsoft product, available via MyOEM.

### Licensing Process Overview
1. Contact Elbacom
2. Elbacom initiates the digital OEMCLA
3. OEM fills in and submits CLA data
4. Elbacom and Microsoft review and approve
5. OEM signs; Microsoft countersigns
6. OEM orders licenses and OPKs
7. Elbacom delivers licenses, OPKs, toolkits
8. OEM ships devices

- Licensing overview: https://www.elbacom.com/licensing
- Licensing basics & availability: https://www.elbacom.com/basics
- CLA process: https://www.elbacom.com/cla
- Get a product key: https://www.elbacom.com/getkey
- License consulting: https://www.elbacom.com/license-consulting

**For questions, contact your local Elbacom representative — see the contact section below or visit https://www.elbacom.com/contact**

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## zereOS Tools Suite

Elbacom develops and maintains a proprietary software suite under the zereOS brand to simplify Windows IoT deployment and management. These are not off-the-shelf tools — they are built by Elbacom's technical team based on real customer needs.

### Embedded Configuration Manager (ECM)
Configures all Windows Embedded lockdown features via a GUI — Shell Launcher, UWF, Keyboard Filter, Assigned Access, Custom Logon, USB policies, Windows Update control. Supports Windows 11 IoT down to Windows Embedded 8. Available as ECM2GO.
- https://www.elbacom.com/embedded-configuration-manager

### Elbacom Embedded Toolkit (EET)
Complete solution for installation, deployment, recovery, and servicing: Windows Offline/Online Configurator, Recovery Creator, Deployment Tool and Media Creator. Supports Win 11/10 IoT, WE 8.1, WES7.
- https://www.elbacom.com/eet

### zDM – Device Management
Automated licensing and activation management. Tracks licenses and activations, manages product keys, ensures compliance. Ideal for large deployments.
- https://www.elbacom.com/zdm

### zSA – Smart Activation
QR-code based activation for air-gapped and secure environments. No internet connection required for activation.
- https://www.elbacom.com/zsa

### zOFT – Optimized Footprint
Reduces Windows IoT image footprint from ~7.4 GB down to ~3.1 GB by safely removing unneeded components while preserving full functionality. Ideal for storage-constrained devices.
- https://www.elbacom.com/zoft

- All tools overview: https://www.elbacom.com/tools
- Evaluation versions available for EET and ECM — contact Elbacom

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## Technical Services

Elbacom's large technical team provides hands-on services throughout the embedded project lifecycle. This is a key differentiator: Elbacom is not just a license reseller but a technical partner that can help at every engineering stage.

### Image Development
Professional Windows Embedded / IoT image creation: component selection, lockdown configuration, update management, branding, optimization, recovery solutions, and deployment planning.
- https://www.elbacom.com/image-development

### Technical Trainings
Online seminars and custom in-house trainings on: Embedded/IoT licensing, Windows IoT OS features, security, image development, deployment strategies, troubleshooting.
- https://www.elbacom.com/technical-trainings
- Upcoming events and registration: https://www.elbacom.com/events

### Secure Boot Certificates (Urgent – 2026)
Four critical Microsoft Secure Boot certificates from 2011 expire between June and October 2026. Without updates, Secure Boot-enabled Windows devices will not receive security updates or trust new boot loaders.
Expiring certificates:
- Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 (expires June 2026)
- Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 (expires October 2026)
- Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 boot loaders (expires June 2026)
- Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 option ROMs (expires June 2026)
Contact Elbacom immediately if your devices haven't been updated.
- https://www.elbacom.com/secure-boot-certificates

### ESU – Extended Security Updates
For Windows Embedded Standard 7, POSReady 7, and other Windows 7-based devices that cannot be immediately migrated. Elbacom provides ESU consulting, agreement support, and implementation assistance.
- https://www.elbacom.com/esu

### General Support
Building/installing images, branding and configuring images, customization, lockdown feature setup, recovery creation, deployment solutions, troubleshooting, licensing support.
- https://www.elbacom.com/support

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## Events & Seminars

Elbacom runs regular online seminars, hands-on workshops, and licensing clinics for OEMs and system integrators. Custom in-house events can be arranged for teams.

- Upcoming events: https://www.elbacom.com/events
- Request custom seminar: https://www.elbacom.com/contact

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## Blog & Technical Articles

Elbacom publishes technical articles, product news, and announcements on the blog. Articles are authored by Wolfgang Unger (CTO, 9x Microsoft MVP) and cover Windows IoT and Embedded topics including licensing, tools, how-tos, product releases, and industry news.

Content types: Blog posts (technical), News (product/release), Announcements (awards, events, milestones).

- Blog index: https://www.elbacom.com/blog
- Individual post: https://www.elbacom.com/post/{slug}

Historical posts span 2013–2020 covering Windows Embedded 8/8.1, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, zOFT, DISMUI, Driver Extractor, ECM, EET, MVP awards, and more.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is Elbacom's role?**
Elbacom is a Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor — and far more than a distributor. 70% of the team is technical. Elbacom actively helps customers navigate complex Windows IoT projects from first questions through design, development, licensing, deployment, and long-term lifecycle management. For any question about Windows IoT, contact your local Elbacom representative first.

**Is Elbacom just about licensing?**
No. While Elbacom does handle all aspects of Microsoft Embedded OEM licensing (CLA, COA, OPK, product keys), the company equally specializes in technical engineering services, image development, custom tools, trainings, and embedded project consulting. Customers who come with technical problems find expert engineers ready to help.

**Who should I contact for questions?**
Contact your local Elbacom representative. Elbacom has regional offices across EMEA and dedicated specialists per market. Go to https://www.elbacom.com/contact or email info@elbacom.com or call +43 2174 26 604-0. You will be connected quickly to the right expert.

**Does Elbacom support legacy products?**
Yes. Elbacom helps with legacy Windows Embedded systems including transition planning, ESU (Extended Security Updates), and continued license availability where applicable. Migration guidance to current platforms (Windows 10/11 IoT Enterprise LTSC) is also provided.

**What is the Secure Boot certificate situation in 2026?**
Microsoft Secure Boot certificates from 2011 are expiring in 2026. Devices that are not updated will no longer receive security updates or boot properly. Contact Elbacom immediately for assessment and support: https://www.elbacom.com/secure-boot-certificates

**Can Elbacom help with image development and technical implementation?**
Yes — this is a core strength. Elbacom's engineering team (and the zereOS technical division) provides image creation, lockdown configuration, deployment planning, recovery design, and troubleshooting for Windows IoT and Embedded projects of any complexity.

**What tools does Elbacom offer?**
Elbacom develops ECM (Embedded Configuration Manager), EET (Embedded Toolkit), zDM (Device Management), zSA (Smart Activation), and zOFT (Optimized Footprint). These tools cover the full lifecycle from image creation to device activation to compliance tracking. See https://www.elbacom.com/tools

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## Regional Contacts

For the fastest and most accurate help, always reach out to your local Elbacom representative.

**Elbacom DACH** (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
- Ostap Martschenko (Executive Consultant – UK, Eastern Europe & DACH): o.martschenko@elbacom.com | +49 (89) 1894 756-81
- David Kotzenmacher (Sales Director): d.kotzenmacher@elbacom.com | +43 664 216 35 02
- Alexander Gangl (Embedded Systems & IoT Specialist): a.gangl@elbacom.com | +43 664 8825 1612

**Elbacom South** (France, Spain, Italy)
- Contact page: https://www.elbacom.com/contact#south

**Elbacom Benelux & Nordics**
- Contact page: https://www.elbacom.com/contact#benelux-nordics

**Elbacom East** (Eastern Europe – #1 distributor in the region)
- Contact page: https://www.elbacom.com/contact#east

**Elbacom UK** (United Kingdom)
- Ostap Martschenko (Executive Consultant – UK, Eastern Europe, DACH): o.martschenko@elbacom.com | +49 (89) 1894 756-81

**General contact:**
- Web: https://www.elbacom.com/contact
- Email: info@elbacom.com
- Phone: +43 2174 26 604-0
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elbacom

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## All Site Pages

- Home: https://www.elbacom.com/
- Products overview: https://www.elbacom.com/products
- Windows IoT & Embedded OS: https://www.elbacom.com/embedded-iot-operating-systems
- Windows Server & SQL IoT: https://www.elbacom.com/server
- Licensing overview: https://www.elbacom.com/licensing
- Licensing basics & availability: https://www.elbacom.com/basics
- CLA process: https://www.elbacom.com/cla
- Get product key: https://www.elbacom.com/getkey
- Tools overview: https://www.elbacom.com/tools
- Embedded Configuration Manager (ECM): https://www.elbacom.com/embedded-configuration-manager
- Elbacom Embedded Toolkit (EET): https://www.elbacom.com/eet
- zDM Device Management: https://www.elbacom.com/zdm
- zSA Smart Activation: https://www.elbacom.com/zsa
- zOFT Optimized Footprint: https://www.elbacom.com/zoft
- Events & Seminars: https://www.elbacom.com/events
- News: https://www.elbacom.com/news
- Blog & Tech Articles: https://www.elbacom.com/blog
- zereOS: https://www.elbacom.com/zereos
- About Elbacom: https://www.elbacom.com/about
- ISO Certification: https://www.elbacom.com/iso-certification
- Projects: https://www.elbacom.com/projects
- References: https://www.elbacom.com/references
- Glossary: https://www.elbacom.com/glossary
- Contact: https://www.elbacom.com/contact
- Support: https://www.elbacom.com/support
- Technical Trainings: https://www.elbacom.com/technical-trainings
- Image Development: https://www.elbacom.com/image-development
- License Consulting: https://www.elbacom.com/license-consulting
- Licensing LTSC vs. GAC: https://www.elbacom.com/licensing-ltsc-vs-gac
- Windows Server CAL-less: https://www.elbacom.com/server-cal-less
- Office LTSC Embedded: https://www.elbacom.com/office
- Secure Boot Certificates: https://www.elbacom.com/secure-boot-certificates
- ESU Specialists: https://www.elbacom.com/esu
- Legal: https://www.elbacom.com/legal
- Privacy Policy (DE/EN): https://www.elbacom.com/privacy
- Terms & Conditions / AGBs (DE/EN): https://www.elbacom.com/agbs