Microsoft has made significant changes in the programs under which UC has been making volume purchases of Microsoft operating systems and application software.
The new Microsoft Academic Select 6.0 (“Select”) and Microsoft Academic Campus 4.0 (“Campus”) agreements allow departments two ways of securing the tools they need.
Some of these changes (such as a more limited range of upgrade paths) constrain UC software buyers; other changes offer significant opportunities for lower costs, with adequate planning. This article can only introduce the topic. If you are responsible for planning software purchases for your department, NACS is ready to work with you to evaluate the new licensing programs and help you make the best decisions for your situation.
“Select” allows for discounted purchases of licenses, upgrades, and upgrade programs. To make the most economical purchase decisions, it is important that software buyers anticipate the usable life of their computers and the frequency of upgrades to software (such as Windows, Word, or Excel) desired on that computer.
“Campus” allows a department to “lease” computer software at prices proportional to the number of staff rather than the number of computers. Advantages include regular software updates, and inexpensive licensing for computer labs.
Changes to Windows and other Microsoft software make it more important than ever to plan carefully, and track the software licensed and installed in each department. Microsoft has also announced retirement schedules for older versions of its software, after which support, upgrades, and security fixes will not be available.
NACS has been working with departmental representatives to help departments assess their needs in light of the new programs. If you have any questions about “Select” or “Campus”, please contact your Computing Support Coordinator, or visit these web sites:
- http://www.ucop.edu/irc/tas/agreetoc.html (UC license agreements page)
- http://www.nacs.uci.edu/licenses/ (NACS software licensing documentation)