You are here: silicon.com > Public Sector > News

Microsoft schools software 'lock-ins' under fire

Licensing scheme needs improvement, says Becta

Tags: software, schools, microsoft, software licensing

By Gemma Simpson

Published: 10 January 2007 16:25 GMT

Microsoft's software licensing scheme for schools and colleges has several "shortfalls", according to a new report by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta).

The report comes after Becta extended Microsoft's recently expired Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement for another 12 months. Under the MOU, schools can buy Microsoft software with savings of between 20 per cent and 37 per cent.

silicon.com Public Sector

Get the latest public sector news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the PS newsletter today!

A spokesman for Becta told silicon.com the report identified a number of "shortfalls" on Microsoft's licensing programmes related to issues such as value for money and risks of lock-in for schools. He said the 12-month extension allows Microsoft "a fair and reasonable time" to address those failings.

Becta offers several recommendations for how Microsoft could improve its schools licensing scheme - including being "very clear about the nature and scale of any buy-out costs" to ensure schools and colleges are not locked in to licensing agreements, the report said.

Steve Beswick, UK director of education at Microsoft, told silicon.com they will "absolutely listen" to Becta's recommendations and will be in talks with the education agency over the next 12 months to "see whether we can accommodate the areas of concern".

Microsoft will work with Becta to make sure UK schools make "absolute informed decisions" about software purchases, Beswick added.

Becta announced it would review Microsoft's software licensing for schools and colleges last year.

The original three year MOU came into effect on 1 January 2004 and has so far been estimated to have saved schools around £47m on Microsoft's software.

  1. Zones
  2. Management
  3. Networks
  4. Software
  5. IT Services
  6. Hardware
  1. Verticals
  2. Public Sector
  3. Financial Services
  4. Retail & Leisure

silicon.com Public Sector
Get the latest public sector news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the PS newsletter today!


  • Jobs
Help Desk Advisor

We have a strong understanding of the unique requirements of our market, already providing ongoing support to thousands of schools and colleges and ...

Sr Commercial / Licensing Manager - Publishing

You will utilise your marketing and commercial experience to spearhead the development of licensing programmes and develop new revenue streams. ...

C# Software Developer

You will be working for a market leader producing complex business systems enabling companies to make informed and practiced business decisions. ...

Nick Heath
Next stop HMRC: How TfL CIO will shake up the taxman
Interview: Phil Pavitt, CIO Transport for London, on making IT boring

Gary Bettis
Public sector CIOs: It's your time to shine
Comment: Efficiency programme offers big challenges and opportunities

Gary Lynch
How e-coding can prevent NHS slip-ups
Barcodes to run in their blood

silicon.com
Inbox: Chip and PIN latest big IDea - and still no readers
"PIN numbers do not present much of a challenge to a determined crook"

Jo Best
From army officer to IT chief - CPS CIO David Jones
Profile: What IT and the military have in common

silicon.com
Inbox: Government IT ignoring red lights?
"The civil servants who specify these projects are not competent technically"

Agenda Setters 2008
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.




Quick Sitemap Links: