Tech Guarantee for MS Server products
It’s not something that’s on my wish list to Father Christmas but I’ll be interested to know if there is a Tech Guarantee programme due to be introduced for SBS 2003 and Windows Server 2003. Something like this would help get customers using great technology now without them choosing to tread water until the release of the forthcoming products.
Microsoft have launched a few promotional incentives including the rebate programme, as well as selling SBS with Software Assurance, but sometimes they just don’t sit right either with the seller or the buyer (or both!) and the sale becomes harder.
So if anyone is thinking about how to help sustain the sales of SBS 2003 R2 for the next few months, would what was used for SQL 2000, SBS 2000, XP, and Office 2003, be a great way of maintaining interest in what is currently a very good product?
Most end-users don’t really know how great SBS 2003 is - all they need to know is that it’ll fix their current problems and help them grow regardless of what ISA or SQL means. If they don’t know why now, then they are going to unfairly view it when they see Cougar growling as it comes over the horizon and want that instead. Make it easier on the resellers and help them encourage technology adoption in the small business market.
There has been a quiet murmer of a Microsoft Programme called ‘First Server, Right Server’ which I know myself and Wayne jumped upon because it was such a great way of positioning SBS to SMBers. With this in mind, how can you tell a customer that SBS 2003 in 2007 is the right first server if they know in a matter of months it’ll be superceded by a better one?
I want a technology guarantee programme for SBS 2003 R2 - any chance we’ll get to see it?
[…] basically what Susanne is asking for, at least for folks who purchase the current version of SBS between now and the release of SBS Next […]
Hi Suze,
Great question but given Cougar is still over a 6 months away at least, nothing will be decided or announced until the new year.
I’ll definitely let you know as soon as we know & can share.
Robbie
Product Manager - SMB Servers - MS Australia
Looking forward to finding out - always worth asking Microsoft early so they can make sure they have plenty of time to ask and incorporate it in their plans!
Nice new title Robbie!