Microsoft claims licensing success
vnunet.com | at | by Mike
Microsoft has claimed that customers are buying into its new licensing model in increasing numbers ahead of the 31 July deadline, but has admitted that many are looking at other options. Licensing manager Sue Page told vnunet.com: "We have seen a significant increase in the numbers of Upgrade Advantage [UA] and Software Assurance [SA] purchasers; more than a 30 per cent increase since the start of May and a seven-fold increase since this time last year."
She said that the company's licensing call centre is fielding 1,400 calls a week, and that resellers are reporting a 10-fold increase in calls. But according to a survey by Microsoft reseller Wstore, 30 per cent of customers have considered alternatives to the Redmond giant. Page indicated that Microsoft is not concerned, however, because software purchases are not made on a simple price comparison. "If 30 per cent are looking [at other software] we aren't worried. Looking at the options is a sensible business decision," she said.