Microsoft schools software 'lock-ins' under fire

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.

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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.