Windows Server 2008 Launch Event

It’s time for another big launch from Microsoft! This go around includes new versions of Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, and Visual Studio 2008. How can you learn more about the new features and benefits available in each new release? By attending the launch event brought to you by Wasatch Software and Microsoft! IT professionals and business executives are invited to the Salt Lake City Downtown Marriott at 12:00 PM on March 12th. Each attendee will not only get a sneak peek at Windows Server 2008 and other Microsoft technologies, but will also receive an excellent lunch. Those who attend will also receive a gift bag and be entered into a drawing for prizes that include software, an external hard drive, HP printer, Utah Jazz tickets and more!

All attendees must RSVP. You can register for this exciting Windows Server 2008 lunch/launch event by clicking here! Please contact Spencer Ferguson at spencer@wasatchsoftware.com or 801-983-3671 x111 for more information. We look forward to seeing you in March!

Who’s to Blame for Vista Incompatibility?

By most estimates Windows Vista sales have reached well over 20 Million by now, and many of these sales were bundled as the preinstalled operating system on new computers. A large number of new Vista users have encountered issues running their favorite software programs and hardware devices, the same products they depended upon as a Windows XP user. Most industry experts accept that there is a period of maturity that must be afforded to new OS releases, one that allows software application and hardware/peripheral manufacturers to ‘catch up’. Understandably, most end users want everything to work correctly right away. With this notion in mind, who is to blame for Windows Vista compatibility issues: Microsoft or the other hardware/software companies (manufacturer partners) out there?

On one hand, manufacturer partners complain that Microsoft didn’t make the necessary tools as readily available as they could have. This is a thought that can be quickly dismissed as most major industry players (Symantec, Trend Micro, and Adobe) had no problem offering Vista compatible versions in a timely manner. In fact, the launch of Vista was delayed a number of times, affording even more time for the manufacturer partners to prepare. SDK’s and other materials were available for months and years before the big release. Those who have been caught with their pants down can be easily divided into two categories:

1- The Complacent: Simply didn’t realize the significance of the Windows Vista release, or didn’t devote enough time and effort to it.
2- The Needy: Simply didn’t have enough resources to devote to ‘hurried’ Vista compatibility. Major players have no excuse, but many smaller ones cannot be faulted.

Microsoft’s fault may lye in communication more than any other area. Perhaps they can exert more time and energy in contacting their manufacturer partners about available resources and expected release dates. They should also spend more time injecting a sense of urgency into the manufacturer partners.

One thing is for sure: most of your computer hardware and software will offer versions or drivers for Vista soon. Let’s hope we don’t face the same issue when the next big OS is released down the road!

Talking Point: What do you think? Who is to blame and how can we avoid this in the future?

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???

Wasatch Software Announces Free Software License Research

Wasatch Software has announced that it will offer free software license research for volume license customers. This free software license research service offers your organization many benefits:

• Ability to locate previous purchases that you may be unaware of
• Helps eliminate duplicate purchases
• Assists you in avoiding legal liability associated with the use of unlicensed software
• Available for volume license purchases from Microsoft and other software vendors

This unique service utilizes partnerships that Wasatch Software maintains with several major software vendors. Please visit our software license research site today for more information.

Use Vista for Four Months, Free

You can install an evaluation copy of any Windows Vista edition and use it for a minimum of 30 days without having to activate it. But this post contains a secret technique that no one has yet published: how to automatically "rearm" the trial period at the end of each 30 day period.

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Microsoft Adjusts to Add Support for Thin-client Computing

Microsoft Corp. was once an avowed opponent of network computing, thin clients or anything else that threatened to harm Windows’ hegemony by putting the PC on a crash diet. Recently, Microsoft has been quietly making an about-face due to its increasingly popular Terminal Services software...


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Free Desktop Zoom Tool

Here's a cool little application called ZoomIt. Install it on any version of Windows and you can use a hot-key and mousewheel to zoom in on your desktop. While zoomed in, you can toggle a drawing mode for circling things onscreen and even create screenshots.

Are Linux Users Just Cheap?

Could it be that Linux users are just cheap? Wait! Before you burn me at the stake for sins against open source, hear me out. Yes, cheap is probably a bit harsh. Perhaps frugal is a softer term. Besides, Linux users are almost always technical gurus with IQ’s that are through the roof. Were it not for my personal bias (I have a strong Microsoft background) I might be a Linux user. I am simply submitting a thought that was sparked by a Linux user’s recent post on a pro-Microsoft blog. This particular user gives us a glimpse at what fuels his purchasing decisions when he/she lists his reasons for using a particular service:

“it doesn't affect my purse.”

Admittedly, this single comment provides little evidence, scientific or otherwise, to support my assertion. However, it is fun to fan the flames in the Microsoft/Open Source battle from time to time.

WasatchSoftware.com #3 in Traffic for Microsoft Licensing Sites

I was very pleased to see that WasatchSoftware.com now ranks #3 in traffic among Microsoft Software Licensing websites. This data is provided by Alexa, which is often regarded as the top provider of web traffic information. Alexa collects data from web crawlers, as well as toolbars installed on millions of computers worldwide.

The #3 ranking for WasatchSoftware.com is for all sites classified in Alexa's 'Computers >> Software >> Licensing >> Microsoft' category. Both sites with higher traffic than WasatchSoftware.com are owned by Microsoft itself, and the site directly below WasatchSoftware.com (www.MicrosoftSale.com) is also owned and operated by Wasatch Software, Inc. Other notable sites that fall below Wasatch Software's traffic level are License Online and Tech Soup.

Wasatch Software's experts are dedicated to not only providing an easy way to purchase computer hardware and software online, but also to providing high quality information on software licensing and related topics to assist IT professionals and other end users. Should you have a suggestion for our site, please post a comment or contact us today!

Your School IT Budget: Predict and Save

As a school administrator or IT professional you are often thrust into a classic paradox:

“How can I give our students the latest technology without annihilating our IT budget?”

Thankfully, you do have options. Following are a few popular choices that Wasatch Software can help you with:

1- Microsoft School Agreement: This simple program allows you pay annually for Microsoft software that can be used throughout your school or district at one low cost. What is the benefit? First and foremost is price. Savings for most software titles, including Windows Vista, Office 2007, and even Windows Server are at a savings of greater than 50% off of Academic Open License. Each license automatically includes Software Assurance, so you can upgrade to new releases. Additionally, a Microsoft School Agreement allows you to predict your future expenses, and even gives you the ability to lock your pricing for 3 years. There are some requirements to keep in mind for this program, such as a 300 point minimum (most products are worth 1 point). Also, you are required to license all of the systems in your school for most of the products that you select.

2- Lease Computer Systems, Hardware, and Software: Using the Wasatch Software lease program you can make monthly payments for all of your IT needs. Some of these items include computers, servers, routers, software, and even services performed by a consultant of your choice. Qualifying is simple and rates are extremely competitive. Once again, the predictability of paying monthly for your IT needs makes budgeting easy.

These are just a few programs that we feel can benefit your school. You may also want to ask us about the Adobe Academic TLP program, antivirus software, and other programs. Don’t hesitate to contact our experts today!

Opinion: Apple vs. Microsoft

A battle that has raged on for decades appears to be stronger than ever! This rivalry between technology giants has been rekindled with new commercials from Apple, and the release of Windows Vista by Microsoft. Sure, Macintosh systems offer a high level of reliability and are surely a 'best bet' for users with an artistic flair. On the other hand, Microsoft Windows systems are best known for their user-friendly nature and also for a versatility which allows users to select different hardware and software configurations that meet their own computing needs.

Surprisingly, this ongoing battle may be less about the quality of products and more about business models. Macintosh has opted to do just about everything for their systems in house. This rigid business model inhibits consultants, resellers, and others from promoting a very quality product.

Microsoft, on the other hand, has opted to offer its products through channel partners (like Wasatch Software), retailers, and distributors on a very wide scale. What is the result? Huge computer manufacturers like Dell, HP and Gateway ultimately prop up Microsoft and even indirectly market Microsoft's products. The same can be said for the thousands of other smaller system builders, resellers and consultants that exist (in whole or in part) simply because of Microsoft.

When these methods of delivery and marketing are compared, it is no wonder that Microsoft has clearly come out on top over the years, an should continue to dominate for many more.

Opinion: Microsoft Software Assurance

Yes, Software Assurance is great! When kept current it provides a simple way for Microsoft volume license customers to make sure they always have the rights to the latest versions and new releases. Additionally, Microsoft has come a long way in offering additional benefits to Software Assurance customers, including eLearning, support, and even the rights to products they otherwise couldn't use (Windows Vista Enterprise). With this said, should Microsoft commit to a few things for its loyal SA customers?

• New versions in a timely manner: Customers are paying around 25% of the license cost per year for Software Assurance. If a new version would surely be released every 3 to 4 years the math would work out in the customer's favor. However, in the case of some recent products (like SQL Server and even Windows Pro) there were 4 or 5 years between new releases. This makes SA all about timing. Should an Open License or Select Agreement customer buy coverage just after a new version has been released? Probably not, unless you highly value the training and support benefits that become available to you.


• Additional benefits or lower cost: In actuality, most Software Assurance benefits will go unused by the customer. Perhaps Microsoft should consider lowering the cost of SA, or begin offering highly useful benefits like 100% free phone support without limitations. Currently, Open License customers must purchase $20K+ to earn a single phone support incident. If MS would consider lowering the cost, resellers like Wasatch Software would certainly sell more SA, and total sales for Microsoft would surely rise.

No matter how you look at it, Microsoft makes the mose user friendly and productive software. Hopefully their volume licensing programs continue to improve... in the customer's favor!

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.

Microsoft Select Agreements

Microsoft Select Agreements are the best way for an organization with over 250 systems to obtain software licensing on a pay-as-you-go basis. Has your company outgrown licensing programs designed for companies with 5-249 systems (i.e. Open License, Open Volume, Open Value)? Contact us today for a free quote or license consultation on how a Select Agreement can save you money, while still allowing you to purchase only the licenses you need when you need them.

Another benefit of Select licensing is that Software Assurance is not required, and can be purchased only when it is beneficial to you. Our Microsoft licensing experts look forward to hearing from you!

Windows Vista Upgrade Eligibility (Volume License)

You may have wondered what operating systems qualify for a Windows Vista Upgrade through the many volume licensing programs, such as Microsoft Open License. The answer is hidden deep in Microsoft's Product List (Page 30). We've taken the liberty of posting the pertinent excerpts on our website:

• Windows Vista Upgrade Eligibility

This page includes an easy to understand chart followed by licensing caviats, including your rights to Windows Vista Enterprise and Ultimate. Let us know if you have any questions or comments, or if you need a quote. Thanks!

Sell Your Used Microsoft Open License Agreements

Did you know you can sell your Microsoft Open License Agreements that aren't being used? While the majority of Wasatch Software's business involves offering you new license agreements, we do offer a service to our customers that allows the te recoup some of the investment in software licensing that would otherwise go to waste.

How it works:

1- You tell us what you would like to sell
2- We locate a buyer who needs the software in your Open License agreement
3- We do all the paperwork and send it to you and the buyer for signature
4- We perform the transfer procedure with Microsoft
5- We send you a check for your unused software

You can sell your agreement, or look at Open License agreements for sale. Let us know your thoughts, or contact our 'Microsoft Sale' team today for more information!

Microsoft Open License

I often speak with individuals who aren't familiar with Microsoft Open License and all of its particulars. With all the options out there, who can blame them? Here are some simple explanations to oft asked questions:

1- It takes just 5 licenses to get started. You can even mix and match different products (i.e. [3] Office Standard and [2] SQL Server CALs will meet the minimum).

2- In addition to purchasing the licensing, you'll also need* to purchase a media kit for each product so you can install the software. You can use the same media kit for all installations.

*Note: recent releases such as Vista, Office 2007, and Exchange 2007 offer free downloads. Media for these products is still available upon request.

3- Only upgrades are offered for Windows Vista Business, while adding Software Assurance gives you the rights to Vista Enterprise. Microsoft does require that you have a previous operating system to upgrade from. This is likely because they want to see computers delivered with an OEM version of Windows already installed. All other products under the volume program offer full versions.

4- Software Assurance offers 2 years of upgrades (3 for Open Value). When you cover a license with Software Assurance you automatically have the rights to a new version when it's released. Software Assurance also gives you certain support and training rights.

Let me know if you have any questions on this or any issue. Thanks for your time!

Microsoft Open License and Software Assurance

I just wanted to remind everyone about the benefits that software assurance can bring to your Microsoft Open License agreement. In addition to 2 years of free upgrades (3 with Microsoft Open Value) you also receive technical support, training and other benefits. You can also add Software Assurance to retail and OEM software within 90 days of purchase. We are proud to offer discounted rates, so give us a call at 888-275-8850 or buy software licenses online.

Open License for Charity, Business, Education and Government

The Microsoft Open License program is the best way for your organization to save on volume software purchases. With as few as 5 licenses, you can save big on all orders. Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Vista Business, Office 2007 and SQL Server 2005 are just a few of the products available to you. Call 888-275-8850 to get started today!