This statement should be used as part of the GLLUG M$ to Linux project under the heading : 

Microsoft vs Linux Upgrade Issues

Matt

----- Original Message -----
From: Xander D Harkness <xander@harkness.co.uk>
To: gllug@linux.co.uk
Sent: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 10:46:34 +0100 (GMT+01:00)
Subject: [Gllug] New Microsoft Licencing scheme

> I thought that this would interest many as again M$ exerts more pressure 
> to move from their products.
> 
> [and no I am not the valued customer ;-)]
> 
> Cheers
> Xander
> 
> Dear Valued Customer,
> 
> We are writing to advise you of some of the changes Microsoft are making 
> to their Open License Scheme.
>  From 1st October 2001 Microsoft will be removing the entire range of 
> upgrade paths available for each product. Currently you can purchase 
> Version upgrades, Competitive upgrades and Product upgrades. These 
> upgrades obviously create many extra part numbers, as there is generally 
> more than one upgrade per product.
> 
> To replace these upgrade paths, Microsoft have introduced a 'Two Year 
> Software Protection Programme' named 'Software Assurance' which goes 
> live October 1st 2001. 'Software Assurance' is purchased either with a 
> new license or as a renewal, and gives you the right to upgrade to any 
> version releases of each product during the term of the agreement at no 
> additional cost to you.
> 
> The 'Road Map' for the Migration to 'Software Assurance' is as follows:-
> 
> 1. Transition Period - Get 'Current' - Available only until 30th 
> September 2001
> 
> Within this period customers will need to get all previous (non-current) 
> versions of their licenses upgraded to the latest versions. This can be 
> done most cost effectively by utilising "Upgrade Advantage" part numbers 
> wherever possible, these will automatically upgrade the product AND 
> transition the license into the Software Assurance scheme on October 1st 
> 2001.
> 
> 2. Launch Grace Period - Available from 1st October 2001 to 29th 
> February 2002
> 
> If you are 'current', but do not have Upgrade Advantage, then you can 
> purchase Software Assurance during this period. Any new licenses 
> purchased during this time should be purchased with Software Assurance.
> 
> 3. Steady State - Available from 1st March 2002 onwards
> 
> If you are not enrolled in the Software Assurance Scheme for your 
> 'current' Microsoft Products, then as of 1st March 2002, you will not be 
> able to upgrade your Software to a later version. If a later version of 
> software is required then you will have to purchase a complete new 
> license with, or without Software Assurance.
> 
> TRANSITION PERIOD ENDS 30TH SEPTEMBER 2001!
> 
> Clearly the changes to Microsoft's Open and Select Licensing Schemes 
> impact each and every MS Licensee. Please call our sales team today on 
> 0800 0287584 for further information or should you require assistance on 
> upgrading your current licenses.
> 
> Kind Regards,
> 
> 
> -- 
> Gllug mailing list  -  Gllug@linux.co.uk
> http://list.ftech.net/mailman/listinfo/gllug




_______________________________________________________________________
FSmail - Get your free web-based email from Freeserve: www.fsmail.net





-- 
Gllug mailing list  -  Gllug@linux.co.uk
http://list.ftech.net/mailman/listinfo/gllug


