Controversial software licensing model alienated users, admits Redmond
Microsoft is to give away a range of improved benefits to win over critics after admitting that it alienated users with its controversial software licensing model.
When the supplier introduced the Software Assurance (SA) scheme last year, many customers complained that it was poorly thought-out and would cost them more.
Some of Microsoft's largest users cited the changes as a reason to investigate alternative technologies such as Linux.
But Microsoft said it has listened to criticism and has announced several new features for SA customers, available from September at no extra cost. These include:
Free copies of Microsoft Office software for customer employees to use at home;
'Significant' employee discounts on other software, including games;
Free web and telephone support for problems with server software (currently a chargeable service);
Free extended support for products that have gone beyond mainstream support life-cycles;
Tools to speed up deployment of Windows software;
Access to Windows source code for all customers with more than 1,500 licensed desktops - currently only available for government departments;
Free online learning software;
Training vouchers for use at authorised training centres
News source: Vnunet.com
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