When is Software Assurance a Good Idea?

How can Software Assurance save you money? It is all about timing! Software Assurance (SA) is an ‘add-on’ for Microsoft licenses that gives you 2 years of upgrades to new releases (3 years with Open Value) as well as support, training, and other benefits. Here are some products that Wasatch Software suggests you purchase Software Assurance on, and some others that you may want to pass on SA with:

Buy Software Assurance!

*** Windows Server: A new release is expected within the next year. Upgrades for Windows Server do not exist, so SA is a must for technically progressive organizations.
*** Windows Vista: Though a new release may be several years out, SA on top of your Windows Vista licenses gives you the rights to use Vista Enterprise or Ultimate. Vista Enterprise is only available to Software Assurance customers.
*** Terminal Services CALs: When a Windows Server is upgraded, the CALs have to upgraded as well.

Pass on Software Assurance!

*** SQL Server: It took Microsoft around 5 years to release a replacement for SQL 2000, and SQL 2005 has only been out about a year. You do the math!
*** MS Office: New versions were just released, making it unlikely that anything new will come out anytime soon. Please note this only applies to Office for Windows. Office Mac customers will likely benefit from an SA purchase.
*** Exchange Server: Like Office, we’ve just seen a new version.

This list is in no way a rule for all organizations, but just a general guide. Many organizations may benefit greatly by purchasing Software Assurance on all of their Microsoft licenses. Cutting edge customers can certainly appreciate the support and training options that full SA coverage can provide. Other organizations, however, do not require the latest technology or may not have systems that can even run the newest versions. If this describes you, we suggest avoiding the cost of SA all together. If you are wondering if a new release is on the horizon for a product not listed, or if still aren’t sure if Software Assurance is right for you, contact us today for a free software license consultation.

P.S.- A reseller suggesting you don't buy an add-on? Did you ever think you'd see the day???

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

Are you confused by Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 licensing and features? You are not alone! Here's a quick run down which covers many of the questions our customers have asked since the January 2007 release:

• Licensing Model: An Exchange Server license is required for each operating system environment running Exchange Server. A CAL is required for each user or device accessing Exchange Server.


• Exchange Server Licenses/Features: You can select between Exchange Standard or Exchange Enterprise. While both editions offer unlimited software storage (dependent on hardware) and local continuous replication, only Exchange Server 2007 Enterprise allows cluster continuous replication and single copy clusters. In addition, Exchange Standard supports only 5 storage groups and 5 databases, while the Enterprise Edition allows for 50 of each.


• Exchange CAL Basics: CALs can be purchased on a 'per user' or 'per device' basis. Please note the CALs are issued on a permanent basis, not concurrently. A CAL is required for each user or device that accesses the server. If you aren't sure which is more beneficial for you, compare your total number of users and devices and go with the lower number.


• Standard CAL vs. Enterprise CAL: An Exchange Standard CAL is the base CAL, which gives you rights to e-mail, shared calendaring, and Outlook Web Access (OWA). You can choose to add-on to each Standard CAL by purchasing the Enterprise CAL. The Enterprise CAL offers rights to unified messaging, list journaling, managed e-mail folders, Exchange hosted filtering, and Forefront Security for Exchange Server.


• Licensing Changes: Unlike prior versions, devices and users who have an Exchange CAL are not automatically granted rights to use MS Outlook. With Exchange 2007, only those who had active Software Assurance coverage as of November 30, 2006 have this right (thanks for the forewarning Microsoft). There are more details to this, but I won't bore you with them as most people do not have SA coverage on Exchange.

I hope this brief run down has been helpful. Naturally, there are numerous caveats that I haven't covered. Please feel free to contact our experts or post a response if you would like more information or clarification.