News
Gartner: Review Microsoft Licensing Now
- By Scott Bekker
- 05/22/2002
Gartner analysts sounded the alarm again this week for users to review their Microsoft software licensing agreements. The July 31 deadline when Licensing 6.0 goes into full force is bearing down quickly.
"This deadline has already been extended twice and most likely will not be extended again," Gartner analyst Alvin Park said in a statement. "Clients who miss the July 31 deadline could pay up to 45 percent more for their licenses at their next upgrade cycle."
After the deadline passes, several options will dry up, including Select version 5 agreements, the ability to purchase Upgrade Advantage and nonconcurrent version licenses, and the option to enroll current version licenses in Software Assurance.
"Gartner is urging clients to evaluate their Microsoft licensing requirements and renegotiate immediately where appropriate," the analyst firm said in a statement.
Gartner's preference is for the version 5 agreement. Gartner advises clients to avoid the Select version 6 agreements in favor of entering new Select version 5 agreements before July 31.
About the Author
Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.