Volume Licenses Tweaked
IT pros always struggle with Microsoft volume licensing. I did two major stories on the topic, "SA Exposed" and "7 Steps to a Better Bargain." I read everything I could from Microsoft and experts, and relied heavily on Microsoft licensing and negotiation ace Scott Braden, who wrote a regular column on the topic for me.
After all this effort, I still felt like an amateur. Microsoft licensing is just that complicated. On a regular basis, Microsoft tweaks its program all with the aim of simplicity. To me, it's like trying to simplify the U.S. Federal Tax Code by giving it a larger font; it's still utterly befuddling.
So let's run through Microsoft's latest changes. First, there are now more options, such as a bundle of SharePoint, SQL Server, Visual Studio, Dynamics xRM and BizTalk. Another bundle ties together Windows Server, Forefront security and management. (I guess not having to negotiate separately is a step forward.) Microsoft is also putting together virtualization bundles, hopefully making it easier to buy suites of virtual products.
Do you have any Microsoft negotiation tips? Forward them directly to [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on July 17, 2009