Susanne Dansey’s Blog

I found a good post from Moloy Tandon regarding how you can license Microsoft Small Business Server 2003.

One of the challenges we are facing is how we can change people’s perception of how to license SBS (and I don’t mean everyone to go to volume licensing on server OS). On my travels around the UK and Ireland, I’ve seen a broad range of ways in which Partners do this and even from the feedback received from the Small Business Forum last month there are lots of traditional OEM Resellers looking to change this to a volume licensing method.

If you haven’t already seen, there is a website in place that allows you to take advantage of a Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 R2 rebate offer that is in play until the end of December 2007.

Thinking about the forthcoming server launches in 2008, you may want to think about the way you are currently licensing your new SBS 2003 R2 customers. Why not think about selling these licenses with Software Assurance (see offer below)?

I purchased Software Assurance for SBS 2003 or SBS 2003 R2 and related CALs. Am I eligible to receive ‘Cougar‘?

Yes. If you purchased any version of SBS (4.0, 4.5, 2000, 2003, 2003 R2) with Software Assurance and your contract is still up to date, you are eligible to receive an upgrade copy of Cougar (or SBS 2008?) on its release. For more information on Software Assurance, contact your Microsoft Authorised Distributor.

Future proofing Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 (SBS + SA - offer ends December 31st 2007)

Benefits of upgrading to Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2

How to upgrade to Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2

SBS Migration

What is the Small Business Platform SKU and what does it mean to me?

The Small Business Platform SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is available in the Open Value - Company-wide Option of the Microsoft Volume Licensing programme. It offers a simpler way of purchasing the core elements for your small business computers. The Small Business Platform SKU includes Office Small Business 2007, Windows Vista upgrade and a Windows Small Business Server CAL for each computer in your company. Additional discounts have been applied to encourage participation by businesses that may not otherwise consider a volume licensing programme.

Why do I need to buy more Client Access Licenses (CALs) than I actually need when I purchase SBS through Open License?

Due to the nature of the licensing programme, Microsoft will not compensate for the five CALs that come with the server product. However, they have compensated the SBS 2003 CAL pricing programme so that open license resellers still get the best value for their money.

The benefits of volume licensing: discounts and more

Idea: Sell SBS 2003 R2 with Software Assurance to your customer. Your customer gets a free upgrade to the latest technology when they are ready and you get a new hardware opportunity. You may even want to throw in a free days worth of labour as an incentive - always a good deal if they are already on an annual support contract? £££….