By Jo Best, 7 June 2004 13:30
NEWS Microsoft has started doing the unthinkable – giving away free software licences to businesses.
The free licences are available as of this month for 'cold' servers – servers that are only switched on when needed – as a sweetener for those bulk buying Microsoft licences.
The software can be used only on servers used for disaster-recovery purposes that largely remain switched-off, with the exception of activation for patch management and testing, as well as in the event of an actual disaster recovery situation.
The give-away forms part of Microsoft's Software Assurance licensing programme.
With recent analysts' reports saying Linux is grabbing an ever-greater market share in the server market, some have suggested that Microsoft might be trying to keep fickle customers away from the arms of open source by adopting a similar strategy to its rival – giving away its software.
Comments
There are 6 comments. Join the discussion
1. Carl Maycock
Great idea! Cos that won't add yet another layer of confusion to the poor techies who have to try and make sure they don't break the Microsoft licensing agreements, which as we know are EASY to understand.
:)
2. Justin Bairstow
Lets see how long this decision REALLY lasts.
like their move with SP2
microsoft has a severe case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.
3. anonymous
Open Software is said to be free , so it is but as in "speach" not as in beer. Microsofts offer is in beer! And then lock you in later!
4. anonymous
How would one qualify for this?
5. JP
Novell NetWare servers have been free for some time now...Linux servers have always been "free". They are not even close to catching up...MS is simply running very scared...as well they should be.
6. anonymous
Thanks..I was waiting Sinc last yr