Microsoft offers subscription licensing for small businesses

Sign up starts in March...I am also a Microsoft Partner and can perhaps field some questions as this begins as well....if you are needing to purchase new software from Microsoft and you are a small business, don't over look this one... Microsoft products available through the program include Microsoft Office Small Business, Office Professional +, Windows Vista Business Upgrade, Small Business Server Client Access License (CAL), Core CAL, Desktop Professional Suite, and Small Business Desktop Suite. Links below to additional resources at Microsoft...BD

San Francisco - Microsoft is offering a new subscription model to small businesses that will allow them to use the company's software for less cost than the currently available licensing model.

The plan, called Open Value Subscription program, is part of Microsoft's effort to give small businesses more flexible and affordable options for purchasing software, said Cindy Bates, Microsoft's general manager for U.S. small business. The new plan costs about a third of the license-only expense for the current licensing program open to small business, called the Open Value program, Bates said. The plan is cheaper because Microsoft offers upfront discounts for software purchased through the subscription program, and also allows customers to increase or decrease pricing over the three-year subscription period if their business needs change, she said.

More information about Open Value Subscription can be found on Microsoft's Web site. The company also provides more information about the Big Easy on its Microsoft Small Business Community Blog.