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Microsoft Software
Microsoft software, designed by multi-billionaire computer mogul Bill Gates, is arguably one of the most popular versions of software on the market today. One reason may be the sheer volume of products available in the Microsoft line, a fact that has allowed the brand to become a household name. If you are a new computer user, interested in browsing the product line for the very first time, there are many sites on the Internet that will allow you to comparison shop before making a purchase. However, many Microsoft software consumers are repeat customers looking for a way to update their current programs. If you happen to be a repeat Microsoft software consumer, particularly a corporate consumer, you may wish to know about Microsoft's Software Update Services as well as how its Software Assurance program may benefit your company.
Software Update Services
Microsoft Software Update Services is designed to simplify the process of keeping your organization's computers up to date. This free, add-in component for Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 installs a web-based application that enables administrators to access the latest critical updates, security updates, and service packs.
The Software Update Services program supports the following updates: Windows Critical Updates, Windows Security Patches (Critical, Important, Moderate, and Low), Windows Update Rollups, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 Service Packs. Software Update Services users are informed of the latest critical updates as soon as they become available through an optional email alert system.
Software Assurance
Microsoft's Software Assurance program provides businesses with automatic access to new technology. It also offers productivity benefits, support, tools, and training in order to help companies deploy and utilize software efficiently.
With Software Assurance, you will receive instant access to new versions of licensed software released during the terms of your three-year agreement. While you will acquire the latest software automatically, you will be able to deploy it at your own pace. These automatic updates simplify the typical procurement process while also allowing you to minimize the costs associated with obtaining updated versions of your current programs.
Software Assurance offers additional productivity benefits by allowing you to spread your payments annually. The program costs twenty-five percent of the license price of any particular Microsoft server product per each year of coverage. For any Microsoft computer product, the cost per each year of coverage is twenty-nine percent of the license price. By allowing you to spread your payments annually, Microsoft's Software Assurance plan helps you reduce the initial costs of the program while you set up a realistic software budget for the next three years.
With Microsoft Software Assurance, you'll have access to support resources that will help keep your business running smoothly, such as Web-based chat sessions with Microsoft Online Advisors. You will also be able to take advantage of valuable tools that will aid you in the efficient deployment of software as well as help you to monitor errors. Software Assurance also provides informative training courses that will keep both your employees and IT staff up to date.
By Carla Wakeman
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