BMS Blog: SBS Consulting in the UK

So we now have “official” confirmation of what to do with our SBS 2008 CAL’s, but I still don’t agree with it. I know I’ve ranted blogged about this before but…

How can a company like Microsoft who’s business model revolves around licensing get this so wrong? How hard can it be for them to write a proper licensing system that checks how many users are logged on against the number of installed licenses?

Microsoft, for the sake of your customers AND your partners, please come up with a SIMPLE, easy to understand licensing model with 1 CAL that covers premium and 1 that covers standard and then give us an automated method of checking how many uses are logged on compared to installed CAL’s. While you’re at it why not get it to send an email to the administrator stating how many CAL’s are in use. Most customers want to be legal, the least you can do is help them (and us) along the way!

First of all I’d like to ask you to head over to the following link and complete the AMITPRO survey. It’s only 5 questions long so shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes of your time! As the answers to the survey will form the basis of the discussion at the next meeting it is important you all have your say – after all this is YOUR group!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=uQgwsmBUEewFglEb_2bE29lg_3d_3d

As we will be discussing the survey results at the next meeting we only have one speaker for February. Bob Phipps of Premier Finance & Leasing will be presenting on the advantages of offering your clients finance options. In these difficult times the ability to offer leasing will give you a real advantage over your competition. Bob’s USP is that he will deal with the customer directly on your behalf and handle all the calculations/paperwork etc. for you – all you have to do is sit back and earn the commission!

Dominic Gill from Microsoft will also be providing a quick update on what Microsoft are currently doing regionally which will be a good opportunity to make sure you aren’t missing out on upcoming MS events etc.

The next meeting is on 10^th February at the Arden Hotel. 5PM for a 5:30 start. Look forward to seeing you all there and don’t forget to complete the survey before then