Microsoft change to eligibility to discounts for charities 1st July 2012
Last chance to buy discounted Microsoft software
Microsoft has recently announced it is to change its eligibility to discounts for charities and social enterprises, meaning some charities may soon find themselves unable to buy software discounted at the level they have enjoyed for several years.
As of 1 July, 2012, charities that get less than ten per cent of their revenue from voluntary contributions will be unable to buy under Microsoft’s Academic discount. From that date, groups affected by the new criteria will be required to buy under Microsoft’s Public Sector Agreement – meaning a significant price increase in software licenses.
Added 6th July 2012: Thanks to an arrangement between WCVA and Pugh Computers, WCVA members can continue to buy software at the SELECT rate offered previously until 30 April, 2013.
The proposed introduction of a substantial increase in licensing fees will cause significant difficulties for charities that are already facing rising costs, and will be an unwelcome shock. The proposals as they stand will impact on a wide swathe of the sector, from household name charities to small local groups. WCVA, NCVO and SCVO have made representations to Microsoft about the impact of the new charges, but so far calls to negotiate either the eligibility criteria or implementation date have fallen on deaf ears.
Microsoft has also increased the prices for its corporate and student licenses.
If any affected groups wish to purchase new software licenses at the current discount rate, they will have until 30 June, 2012, to do so. Please call Pugh Computers, the key Microsoft reseller in Wales, on 01974 200 217 for more information.
