Server Configuration

Do you need a new server, or are looking to upgrade an existing one? Wasatch Software offers an extensive line of servers for organizations of all sizes. You can choose an HP server, Acer server, or even a white box system customized to your needs. Just let us know what you'll be using the server for, or e-mail your specs to service@wasatchsoftware.com. Popular uses include domain, web, e-mail, file, and application servers. You can select a number of operating systems, including the following:

Windows Server 2003 R2 (Standard or Enterprise)
Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 (Standard or Premium)

We look forward to providing a reliable system that meets your needs!

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???

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.

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!

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!

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!