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I really don't
want to hear the answer, but what the hell is Software Assurance
and why is it screwing up my day?
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Microsoft now wants to rent you
software each year instead of having you purchase upgrades
periodically.
To that end, Microsoft now charges
you a fee each year, and for that fee you are entitled to receive
free upgrades for that application. If you elect not
to purchase Software Assurance, the next time you upgrade that
product you're required to buy the full license again.
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This is a
lot of money |
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Now maybe the time to reconsider
your allegiance to Microsoft. It's a tough habit to break,
but Linux and Linux applications will dramatically drive down
your software costs.
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Most of the software installed on your workstation
has a Microsoft logo. As a
corporation, Microsoft has removed the luxury of lax licensing standards.
It has never been more complicated to purchase, upgrade and maintain
Microsoft software.
Now, if you want to install Office XP or Windows
XP, you need to pay for and register each and every copy. Plus,
you need to clearly think through and decide on whether to participate
in Microsoft's Software Assurance plan.
The old days are over.
If it's new, if it's sold by Microsoft, and if you
want it; You're going to pay for it.
NEM Consulting can help you log and track your
current licenses; Assess what new technology is really appropriate;
and provide a cost analysis to determine if Microsoft's Software
Assurance is a good fit.
It's a really ugly job, and it's politically
unattractive. Isn't this exactly the sort of thing you'd like to
outsource?
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You've been at
risk for a long time . . .
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Sure I reinstalled that copy of
Office 2000 more than once, but I'm sure we paid for it.
Plus everyone does it, right?
All true. Unfortunately, when the employee
you just terminated calls the SPA, they have a distinctly
different reaction.
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