Authorized Education Reseller (AER)

Techopedia explains Authorized Education Reseller (AER)

The companies certified as Microsoft Authorized Education reseller are considered as a specially trained company to sell Microsoft academic software licenses to educational users.

Microsoft conducts online Exams in order to identify individuals who qualify to be a Microsoft authorized education reseller. The qualified individuals will then be eligible to recommend appropriate Microsoft Licensing solutions to their educational users.

There are four important steps involved in the AER process.

1. The first step is to complete and pass the online testing module conducted by Microsoft. The individuals can opt for either Academic Volume Licensing or Academic Full Packaged Product.
2. The second step is to complete the online application form.
3. The third step involves accepting the terms and conditions of the Microsoft AER agreement
4. The final step involves becoming a member of the Microsoft Partner Network.

After completing all the steps the individuals will receive a Microsoft AER certification number which is needed for purchasing Microsoft Academic products.