Apple released a PDF Document last week that outlined the Business and Education licensing for Lion.  In a very no-nonsense kind of way, they explained that business continues as usual even though customers download Lion through the Mac App Store.  We find it strange that companies must have a Mac App Store (iTunes) Account to upgrade their computers… but let’s not focus on that as we explained our thoughts previously.

After the break, we’ll dive into the PDF announcement and tell you about the notable highlights.  The big takeaways: iTunes Account required and 2GB of RAM (memory) minimum.

Business Customers

Will be able to order Volume License contracts in order to upgrade their computers.  They must purchase a minimum of 20 licenses.  Regular licenses are $29.99 each while maintenance contracts are $49.99 each.

Education Customers

Will be able to order through the normal education channels at a minimum of 25 licenses.  However, it seems that Apple will only sell the upgrade license through the Apple Software Collection.  It’s $39.99 for Lion, iLife and iWork.

iTunes Account Required

Business and Education customers still need an iTunes Account to download the software initially.  Once downloaded, they can mass deploy it (via the installer package or a NetInstall image) to their maximum number of licenses.

Mac OS Software updates

Do not need an iTunes account.  Users will be able to install those updates through the normal software update channels.

Up-to-Date Program

Anyone who purchased a new Mac after June 6, 2011 can request a copy of Lion from Apple or an Authorized Reseller up to 30 days after Apple releases the Lion.

Lion Server

Server customers must purchase Server as an add-on from the Mac App Store.  Anyone wanting to upgrade to Lion Server from Snow Leopard Server must purchase both Lion and the Server add-on at the same time in order to complete the upgrade.

System Requirements

Lion requires a Mac with an Intel Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7 or Xeon processor.  It also requires 2GB of RAM to run.  In order to get to Lion, you have to be running Snow Leopard version 10.6.6. or higher.  If you’re still running Leopard, please upgrade ASAP.

We still think Apple’s assuming too much if they expect business and education customers to use an iTunes Account to download software.  The world isn’t ready for a disc-less OS… at least until they figure out how to create a business-friendly iTunes Account.  We’re still pushing for Enterprise iTunes Accounts with assignable permission levels… but that probably won’t happen.  Let us know if you have any questions about the Lion upgrade process in the comments.