Microsoft has unveiled the next generation of its
Software Assurance licensing programme, bringing a range of
features to simplify Windows software support.
Microsoft has enhanced the services and training benefits
attached to its flagship enterprise licensing regime and given
users the ability to trade Software Assurance benefits in one area
for additional benefits elsewhere. For example, users can exchange
training vouchers for extra planning or deployment help from
Microsoft Consulting Services or a Microsoft certified partner.
One of the major additions to Software Assurance is Microsoft
Desktop Deployment Planning Services. This offers medium to large
businesses up to 15 days' free consulting to help identify the most
cost-effective way to improve their Windows and Office desktop
environment.
Microsoft has teamed up with Forrester Research to offer users
the analyst firm's Software Assurance ROI tool, to help them
calculate their financial rate of return based on the Software
Assurance benefits they use.
One early adopter of the new licensing regime is property
management firm Colliers CRE. It is using Software Assurance for MS
Office and client access licences for MS Exchange, Sharepoint
Portal and Windows Server. Its existing Windows 2000 desktop
operating system is not covered by Software Assurance.
Perry Willis, IT director at Colliers CRE, said the scheme has
provided free technical training for his team and has given staff
the ability to run the software it licences at home. With Windows
2000 moving into extended support in June, Perry said he was
currently assessing whether to migrate to Windows Vista or XP.