IT Services and Network Consulting

For some time, Wasatch Software has offered IT services and networking consulting to our customers in the Salt Lake City, Utah metropolitan area. As a national reseller of IT products, we have realized a need for similar services for our customers throughout the United States. Many non-IT organizations outside of Utah utilize us for their computer hardware and software needs, and often request installation, training, or other IT services from us. Now, through our newly launched IT ServiceNet program, these customers can be partnered with IT Consultants and firms in their area.

Through this program, Wasatch Software can now offer installation, training, networking, managed services, and more from coast to coast. Here are a few links with more information:

• End Users Interested in IT Services
• IT Firms Intersted in Joining IT ServiceNet

You can also get more information by e-mailing service@wasatchsoftware.com, or by calling 888-275-8850. We are very excited about providing you with top-notch IT services to go with our extensive line of computer hardware and software offerings!

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!

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.

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.

Is Symantec Making a Comeback?

Is Symantec making a comeback? Most consumers and IT professionals who have had recent experience with the industry leader understand that they have been in quite a slump. Many blame the slump on their merger VERITAS, which, from a channel partner’s perspective, seemed to go off with more than a few hiccups. In late 2006 many customers (including many of Wasatch Software’s) didn’t receive license certificates for several days or even weeks. Other customers were experiencing hold times of several hours when they called for support. In addition to these issues IT professionals complained of inaccurate reporting in the management consoles of Symantec products (most notably Symantec Antivirus).

Thankfully, Symantec seems to be resolving these problems. Since the beginning of ’07 most license certificates are being issued within 2 or 3 business days. Hold times can still be rather long from time to time, but they are certainly improving. The addition of VERITAS’ line of products is a great compliment to what Symantec already offers. Acquisitions of companies like Altiris also signal that the software company is likely to continue its dominance of their market.

With these positive signs channel partners were beginning to get over the unease they had been feeling about Symantec. Personally, I was further pleased by a discussion I had with our Symantec territory sales rep, who acknowledged that there were problems in their transition with VERITAS. He described to me how they had ramped up their support staff, and how the issues their customers were facing were regrettable ‘growing pains’. Had it not been for the progress I had seen over the past few months I might have viewed this as mere lip service. However, the worst seems to be over for Symantec and their future may be brighter than ever.

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!

Software License Awareness Day is April 10, 2007

Imagine your organization faces a legal risk, one that is manageable. Would you be interested in eliminating this liability? Thankfully, 'Software License Awareness Day' gives you an opportunity to do just that! The annual event is scheduled to take place on April 10, 2007.

The use of software without proper licensing is a copyright infringement. If a software publisher brings civil action against your organization you may face up to $150,000 in damages for each software program being used illegally. Also, organizations of all sizes can be held liable for employees’ actions even if management was not aware.

If your company is at risk you may feel overwhelmed. Indeed, legitimate software licensing can be costly. Spencer Ferguson, President of Wasatch Software, notes that taking some simple steps can go a long way towards fixing the problem. “If your organization faces a software piracy issue it is best to start fixing it right away, even if you must do it slowly. Many companies can obtain financing, allowing them to spread the cost of getting legit over time. Even the purchase of a few software licenses each month can make a big difference in becoming legit.”

The Business Software Alliance (BSA), an organization that helps software companies fight piracy, estimates that the United States faces a piracy rate of 21%.

Organizations of all sizes are encouraged to set aside time to evaluate their software license situation on April 10, 2007. Software license agents from Wasatch Software are available throughout ‘Software License Awareness Day’ to help you address any potential issues on a confidential basis.

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!

Computer Hardware Shop

5 years ago Wasatch Software was launched to provide you with software products. Thanks to our wonderful customers and employees, we are now a full-fledged IT products reseller that not only offers software, but also computer systems, hardware and accessories. All of this is designed to provide you with a single source for your IT needs that offers just about everything at lower prices than the national office supply chain in your local shopping center. Here are a few examples of items you can take advantage of:

• HP Ink Cartridges (Among Others)
• External Hard Drives
• Lenovo Laptops (Among Others)
• Wireless Routers

With half a million products from over 500 manufacturers, Wasatch Software surely lives up to its company slogan: "Find I.T. Here!". Contact our experts today with the needs of your home or business!

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.

Eset NOD32 Enterprise Edition Antivirus

'Award Winning', 'Smallest Footprint', 'Fastest Performance', and 'Best Protection' are just a few of the adjectives that experts are using to describe NOD32 Enterprise Edition from Eset. NOD32 is a security solution that provides top of the line antivirus and antispyware protection, among other features. You can always contact us to get information on Eset's products, or to request a quote or free trial of NOD32 Enterprise Edition.

The fact is that I have yet to talk to someone that has even had a minimal infection or problem after implementing NOD32. Has anyone out there had experience with this product? We look forward to your post...

Trend Micro is HOT!!!

Wow! Trend Micro licensing has been sizzling lately. Symantec and other certainly offer solid solutions, but many of their users are switching over to Trend Micro due to recent good press, channel rewards, discounts and promotions, and other factors. Here's a run down of the hottest solutions for our top vertical markets:

1-50 systems (no servers): Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security
5-249 (windows servers, no mail server): Trend Micro Client/Server Security SMB
5-249 (windows and mail servers): Trend Micro Client/Server/Messaging Security SMB

Trend Micro's Antispyware SMB is now bundled into each of these solutions at no additional cost. You can also ask us about Trend Micro's options for larger customers, or those with specific security needs. Our experienced agents look forward to hearing from you soon!

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!

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!