• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

MS licensing for small start-up?

SpatiallyAware

SpatiallyAware

Lifer
FYI I generally deal with mid size and up MS licensing. I've been asked to provide some IT support for an owner's friend who is starting his own company.

Right now he needs 1 license and will be adding 4-5 more within a year. What's the best way to go about this? Buying retail licenses adds up really quick..


Thanks
 
Buy through a retailer that supports eopen. Assuming the company will grow, everything will be kept in one place through the years.
 
SpatiallyAware said:
FYI I generally deal with mid size and up MS licensing. I've been asked to provide some IT support for an owner's friend who is starting his own company.

Right now he needs 1 license and will be adding 4-5 more within a year. What's the best way to go about this? Buying retail licenses adds up really quick..


Thanks
Click to expand...

eOpen is good but the prices for eOpen are not cheap. If you are looking for cost right now as it is a startup -- OEM on eBAY
 
SpatiallyAware said:
FYI I generally deal with mid size and up MS licensing. I've been asked to provide some IT support for an owner's friend who is starting his own company.

Right now he needs 1 license and will be adding 4-5 more within a year. What's the best way to go about this? Buying retail licenses adds up really quick..


Thanks
Click to expand...

Buy the computers from a company that can bundle the apps with the computer. IE buy your Dell / HP / Lenovo with office on it.
 
WicKeD said:
There is no risk as long as you are buying that OEM copy with a piece of hardware.
Click to expand...

Feel free to argue that with Microsoft. Considering that they execute ebay take downs on it regularly, even with 'hardware' sold with it I would shy away from that being a business entity.

OEM software bought that way is typically provided with out support as well.

With the amount of fraud on ebay and craigslist, I wouldn't touch software on that site with a 10 foot pole.
 
imagoon said:
Feel free to argue that with Microsoft. Considering that they execute ebay take downs on it regularly, even with 'hardware' sold with it I would shy away from that being a business entity.

OEM software bought that way is typically provided with out support as well.

With the amount of fraud on ebay and craigslist, I wouldn't touch software on that site with a 10 foot pole.
Click to expand...

Remember as long as it is an authorized OEM reseller, there is no problem. Hence what Microsoft did for Vista, and are still doing for other software...

Microsoft has given the go ahead for users to buy the low-cost OEM copies of Windows Vista now appearing on sites like Newegg.com; however, they would be expected to adhere to the licensing terms just like any other computer manufacturer.

The above goes for any authorized OEM reseller.

I am just giving options depending on his budget.
 
MS opened up the OEM channels for smaller resellers. Even Newegg posts:

Disclaimer: Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows

The keywords are new 'personal computer' and resale. As a home user, I wouldn't care. As a business entity that wording makes it clear to me that unless I am selling the computers, that software is not for me.

EDIT: Here is the MS license itself.

http://oem.microsoft.com/public/sblicense/2008_sb_licenses/fy08_sb_license_english.pdf
 
Last edited:
If you are stuck using office, and its tools, then you will need to go thru a retailer for eopen. Thats my preference. I used to be a sys engineer for a firm that serviced small businesses in the richmond area. We used eopen for it all. Easy to use, and easy to deploy the software...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top