IT managers tear chunks out of Microsoft

NEWS IT managers have responded angrily to Microsoft after it tried to explain the licensing rules for Windows XP. Three user bodies, SocITM, IMIS and Elite, sent an open email to Neil Holloway, Microsoft's UK MD, complaining about the way XP is being licensed because it felt the software behemoth was being off hand in its attitude to customers. The letter said IT managers haven't had enough time to consider how to respond to Microsoft's licensing proposals but it said the communication of proposals has been "chaotic, slow and badly managed". It adds that Microsoft has not shown anyone a proper product roadmap. The letter refutes Microsoft's claims that the new licensing policies for Windows XP won't bring in any extra sales revenue. SocITM said the new licensing will set their members back an extra £80m a year, with a £800m bill for the whole of UK business. SocITM's chairman David Rippon said he discussed these points in a conversation with Holloway, who said he'd think about them and get back to him. All Rippon received was a mail from Licensing Manager Duncan Reid which he believes didn't answer his concerns.