I am curious about how people are dealing with the new Microsoft limitations on DiscounTech. In particular the one order every two years limit.
Are you ordering more software than you might need just in case? Planning carefully and ordering exactly what you think you'll need? Or just ordering what you need right now and then using the Charity Pricing retailers to fulfill other needs as they arise?
Has it had any impact on your discussion with management at your organizations?
Helen
Joined on 05-26-2003
TechSoup Member
We are very fortunate in that we are part of a select agreement in the State of Maryland that includes virtually every public and private school that enrolled by the cut-off date a couple of years ago. For less than $20/desktop we have access to all the desktop OSs, and nearly all the applications AS WELL AS the CALs for all their products. The only thing we pay for is the server products (eg, $90 for W2K3 Server) and a few apps like Encarta. We also have the same agreement with McAfee. ($3.50 per desktop for everything they make).
It certainly has been good to us. Now if only we can deal with the hardware costs.
John Orban
System Administrator
The Country School
www.countryschool.org
Joined on 05-06-2003
TechSoup Member
No limitation would be best. However what is given is appreciated and in good use. At the same time we are exploring Linuz and openoffice. It''s a long way but having to upgrade every few years with MS have been costing a lot and we just don''t have the $$ to exercise such desires.
be well,
hs