Joined on 09-24-2003
TechSoup Member
With Microsoft's new reclassification of nonprofits, we are no longer eligible for their products. We are a health related agency dedicated to educating people about kidney disease and providing assistance to patients in need. Our budget is always tight and purchasing Microsoft products at a discount has been a GREAT help to us. Now where can we go???? Anyone have a suggestion?
See if you qualify for the Microsoft's CHARITY pricing program. That way you can purchase from vendors such as CDW or DELL at significantly reduced pricing.
Joined on 05-08-2002
TechSoup Member
You should also look at evaluating Open Source software at your organization. There are excellent options for office productivity software from www.openoffice.org. If you need server licenses then linux can work as your file server. Your IT provider should be able to discuss these options with you.
You have other options also. Ms product have workable shelf life of 6 to 10 years. I have client still using NT4 server.windows 2000 and windows 2009 on the desktop and have no plans to upgrade. If you got 10 years out of a desktop operating system and had to pay retail its still about $25 a year.
Depending on the size of your network you have many options.. I would also contact your local MS office over the years they have been very helpful in situations like yours.