Windows in business

Raz · 16 Mar 2006 at 14:06

Hey all

just wondering, if using XP pro in a business (charity, internet cafe) is it simply a case of buying multiple copies of winXP, or is a special licence needed? for say 6 pcs, would the XP pack of 3 (x2) that OC sell be ok?

Does the same rule apply for Office? Can I purchase one copy and 6 licences?

Not sure about how software works in business so any help is appreciated

Raz

Baz · 16 Mar 2006 at 14:45

Most companies just buy a PC that has windows already loaded onto it. You can also purchase a cheaper copy of office that is OEM and linked to a manufacture, but I think they are stopping somehow. You can buy either boxed products or go onto a Open Licence Agreement with or without Software Assurance (which enables you free upgrades while you have SA)
If you are a bigger corperation (probably 250PC's and above) you can get enterprise agreements.

If you build your own PC's you could use the multipack of Windows XP Pro no problems at all, but for business's its easier from a support point of view to buy branded computers than to build them.

stoofa · 16 Mar 2006 at 15:22

Charity/Education is a totally different licensing system.
Well actually, no, it isn't - but it's a lot cheaper so you'll want to speak to a proper licensing company.
For business then licensing maybe the way forward, however you don't usually see any kind of savings by buying licenses before around 10 copies.

Baz · 16 Mar 2006 at 15:24

stoofa said:
Charity/Education is a totally different licensing system.
Well actually, no, it isn't - but it's a lot cheaper so you'll want to speak to a proper licensing company.
For business then licensing maybe the way forward, however you don't usually see any kind of savings by buying licenses before around 10 copies.

The quantities have changed again now, Microsoft used to have three thresholds for pricing, they now have two, roughly 0-100 copies, then anything over that...

By the time this is posted, they will have probably changed it again

Raz · 16 Mar 2006 at 20:19

thanks for the info.

Just need the software for 10 PCs max. Support isn't really much of an issue, so building them should be ok (I hope).

Raz