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Miro Consulting (www.miroconsulting.com) has provided advisory services to Oracle and Microsoft clients needing assistance in managing the fundamental changes in their software licensing assets. This highly successful consulting practice has negotia
Recent Posts Tagged With 'Microsoft'
Microsoft training Best Buy employees against Linux
For those CIOs contemplating a move to Linux - Microsoft is one step ahead of you. Those crafty folks at Redmond have actually created a training program for retail employees at Best Buy to convey that Windows 7 beats Linux - going as far as making ...
Step-up your Microsoft licensing with Software Assurance
One of the major benefits customers have seen from Microsoft’s Software Assurance (SA) is the ability to migrate from a lower to higher edition software without incurring full licensing costs for both editions by using what is called a Step-up...
Microsoft: No transfer rights for OEM licenses (with one exception)
As mentioned in our previous blog about user rights, which has become a hot topic as many upgrade to the new Windows 7 platform, OEM licenses cannot be transferred from one PC to another. Therefore, they cannot be used to upgrade to a Windows 7 upgra...
When do I have transfer rights?
We often get questions from clients about transfer rights- when do I know if I can uninstall my software from a device and re-install it on another? For Microsoft….transfer rights are specifically laid out in your End User License Agreement (EU...
Windows 7 – Should we upgrade?
Since Windows 7 is now available and in high demand, we wanted to offer some resources for information on the product, where to get help and updates, etc. It’s a tough decision whether to switch or not, or when to switch. Hope these help you ma...
Microsoft licensing hack
It looks like there is a technical loophole that allows you to upgrade illegally. When Microsoft finally released Windows 7, there has been a lot of grumbling over Microsoft’s lack of direction on the upgrade process in the last few weeks from...
Ballmer admits flaws in MS licensing, no change in sight
At a recent event in London, Steve Ballmer was asked about Microsoft’s complex licensing policies to which he acknowledged that yes, Microsoft licensing isn’t simple, never has been and probably never will be. So, is there a chance for ch...
An angry Australian (in disguise) talking about Microsoft licensing
Aside from the disturbing “disguise”, this tongue-in-cheek rant on Microsoft licensing and how the big company is “never wrong” has great entertainment value. ...
Analyst: Microsoft licensing still difficult
With October a day or two away, and the launch of Windows 7 nears, Microsoft’s licensing hasn’t gotten any clearer. Two analysts at Directions on Microsoft, an analyst firm that reports on the company, has released a report that breaks d...
Microsoft virtual licensing policies explained – Mom!
Have a look at this hilarious take on Microsoft’s licensing policies on virtual machines. I like the use of green M&Ms....
See, even the government is doing it!
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has just revealed that as part of their efficiency review, they were able to save $89 million in software licensing fees by renegotiating contracts with Microsoft and Oracle. $89 million that can be used else...
Even resellers are at risk
We talk all the time on here about individual companies being targeted by software vendors for piracy and non-compliance with licensing policies. It doesn’t stop there. Recently, Microsoft got settlements from 11 resellers in the UK for selling...
$200 MM verdict against Microsoft stands; Company slapped with an additional $90+ million
The $200 million jury verdict in the i4i-v-Microsoft patent infringement case still stands, but the Texas judge has added another $40 million+ in additional damages to be paid by Microsoft. US District Judge Leonard David upheld the decision again...
Two new Windows 7 pricing details revealed…
In anticipation of the big October launch of Microsoft Windows 7, two new announcements regarding pricing have been made - one a good deal, the other, not so much… The first offer is called Family Pack, which includes Windows 7 Home Premium ins...
Two new Microsoft licensing models due out in October
Last week, Microsoft announced two new enterprise licensing bundles - expected to be released October 1 - that could save money for loyal Microsoft customers. The two new plans - Enrollment for Application Platform and Enrollment for Core Infrastruct...
Microsoft License Advisor
Hmmm, an online self-service resource - Microsoft License Advisor for Volume Licensing - can be used to figure out what licensing needs your company has. This is a great initial start to understanding licensing needs. It’s also a great mark...
Microsoft and Linux Foundation playing nice in the sandbox?
Microsoft and the Linux Foundation have recently teamed up against the American Law Institute (ALI). These two parties, who have a reputation of always being on opposite sides, have joined forces and sent a joint letter to the ALI regarding their con...
Good time for companies to consider reviewing SLAs
The ending of a financial quarter or year-end have been traditionally good times to review and re-up software licensing agreements. Though not always the case, it is still a time when many SLAs are reviewed and discussed between the corporate enter...
Promotions! Promotions! Everywhere! And, it’s all coming from Microsoft
Most companies across the globe are suffering during the financial crisis, grasping on to their customers for dear life. With revenues down and companies holding onto any reserve finances they have, Microsoft has implemented a discount program for it...
A good dose of CYA
Software asset management involves staying on top of compliance. SOX compels CEOs and CFOs to attest to reporting clean financials and reporting material changes regularly. Here’s the gotcha moment: SOX also requires them to be compliant with c...
Reporting on Microsoft license usage
We all know how important reporting can be to keeping software asset management in check. Microsoft does provide a Terminal Server License Reporting tool that is available from the Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit. Additionally, Microsoft provides a ...
External connector licenses
In addition to per user and per device licenses with Windows 2003 Server, there is a third option called External Connector Licenses. Because per user and per device client access licenses (CALs) have to be assigned to a specific user account or devi...
Quick Byte: Microsoft Licensing Tip # 16 – Processor Licenses
In addition to server licensers, you can’t forget the processor licenses. Each processor on a server that your software uses requires a separate license. For physical operating systems, each physical processor must be licensed. However, for vir...
Microsoft windows server client access licenses
We have addressed the three types of Windows 2003 Terminal Server licenses - per user, per device and external connector. Now we need to mention (ah ha! The plot thickens!) that you will also need a standard Windows Server 2003 Client Access Licens...
Quick Byte: Microsoft Licensing Tip # 15 – Device vs. User CAL
Device vs. User Client Access License With most products, you must acquire a license for each running instance of the server software you run on a server. There are two types of CALs: Device CALs and User CALs. Device CAL - Licenses a device for use...
Microsoft updates licensing for virtualization
You will see that we refer to the ever-changing nature of software licensing. Well, here is an example -Microsoft has made some changes to their licensing terms, with a whole seven days in between. The latest update was released in two documents: ...
Quick Byte: Microsoft Licensing Tip # 14 – Server Licensing
Servers and software … they are like night and day when it comes to licensing and all scenarios need to be considered. You must acquire a license for each instance of the management server software you run. You may run this on a physical or vir...
Microsoft Licensing Tip # 13: Online Services
Online services have their own set of licensing rules. They are typically subscription based and provide access only to software and services. There are a few types of licensing models that apply here: User or Device Subscription License (USL or DSL)...
Quick Byte: Microsoft Licensing Tip #12 - Per User Licenses for Developers
When licensing Microsoft software of any kind, you must acquire a license for every user you allow to access the software. You can also install any number of copies on any number of devices for access and use by one user to “design, develop, te...
Microsoft Volume Licensing – Which one is for me?
There are seven, yes seven different MS licensing schemes, we thought we would share this great comparison chart that helps define each programs, and should help you choose which program best fits your organization. Just remember that software lic...
