I received notification today that effective February 28 there will be major changes in the way Microsoft software donations for 501(c)3's are available through Tech Soup. This a program that many Helpnet members have taken advantage of the past. While the changes are being billed as an "enhanced program," I think they will make the program less accessible for most Helpnet members.

The good news is that many more software titles are supposed to be available. Non-profits will be able to request up to 50 licenses each for up to 6 different products (of the more than 35 titles, including server products, that will be available).

But here's the bad news: the Tech Soup donations are being brought under Microsoft's "eOpen Licensing" program. This means that:
(1) Each order must be for a minimum of 5 "seats" - combination of titles and additional licenses.
(2) You can only make 1 donation request through Tech Soup every 2 years. During that time, after you've made your Tech Soup request, you can buy MS Charity Licenses from the retailers that sell them without being subject to the normal 5-license minimum of that program.


On balance, these changes will probably benefit larger organizations that can make use of 5 or more licenses at a time, and that are in a position to plan ahead. But they probably eliminate a lot of smaller groups, including some of us, from HelpNet membership. If any of you have any last-minute orders to place before the rules change, it looks like we have until Thursday to get them in. There is more information at http://www.techsoup.org/discountech.cfm?id=334.

The Microsoft licensing programs are extremely confusing -- if you have questions, please post them to the list.

Jon


Jonathan Falk
RR 2, Box 7162
Carmel, ME 04419
(207)848-2433


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