[Gllug] New Microsoft Licencing scheme

[Xander D Harkness]

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,


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