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???

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: 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!