New Microsoft Promotional Offers Push Software Assurance

Microsoft has rolled out a trio of new customer-based licensing offers and rebates in a move aimed at spurring software upgrades and giving partners additional sales opportunities.

The Redmond, Wash.-based software company's offers pertain to the Windows and Office product lines and focus heavily on encouraging customers to purchase software through the Open Value Licensing system, which also gives them access to the hosts of Software Assurance benefits.

All three offers are valid through June 30, according to the company. First off, customers who purchase Microsoft Office Professional 2003 through the Microsoft Open License can get a cash rebate of up to $125 per license. Those who buy through Open Value Licensing will also receive Software Assurance benefits, which among other things guarantees their rights to Microsoft Office 2007 when it is released early next year, as well as providing training vouchers and the option to spread payments over a specific period of time. These customers also get Office 2003 at a reduced rate (in addition to the rebate) since the price will go up as the company inches closer to the 2007 release.

"This gives partners a reason to call on and continue being the technical advisers to these customers," says Margo Day, vice president of U.S. partners. "Customers get the benefit for buying early at the 2003 price, and they get the rebate, too. Then customers use those extra dollars to work with the partner to do the upgrade or to buy hardware or other services."

One of the other new benefits in Software Assurance that specifically involves partners is the Information Worker Assessment, according to Day. Partners in the Information Worker competency -- which covers proficiency in Office technologies -- will be connected with customers to show them how best to maximize the new Office-based software they have purchased, Day says.

In addition to the Office-based offer, Microsoft has extended the timeframe to attach Software Assurance to newly purchased PCs from 90 days to 180 days. Day says having Software Assurance will enable customers to purchase the forthcoming Windows Vista operating system at less than the cost of an upgrade license, and it gives them access to Windows Vista Enterprise. Windows Vista Enterprise is not available via an OEM license; the customer must have Software Assurance to get it, she adds.

Windows Vista Enterprise features security technology called Windows Bits Blocker that encrypts data and documents on your hard drive.

"If your laptop gets stolen, they still can't get to your data," Day says.

Last, Microsoft is offering a 30 percent promotional discount on Windows XP Pro upgrade licenses that include Software Assurance.