Beware Changes To Microsoft Software Licensing

Some of the changes Microsoft are not good for customers, Forrester says. One change means Microsoft's paid Software Assurance option - which gives customers free access to updates - may not be as good a deal anymore.

"Analyst house Forrester has identified five key issues that IT buyers need to consider before purchasing Microsoft products and upgrades after the company's recent pricing and licensing changes.

Although most of the changes were in favour of the customer, Forrester said that Microsoft has not done enough to address concerns such as the complexity of licensing for desktop virtualisation, and the mismatch between the cost and value of Office upgrades."