Microsoft Software Assurance is a comprehensive maintenance program that maximizes your software investment by helping you plan for new deployments and gain control of your technology strategies. With full support, tools, and training, Software Assurance can help you realize the complete value of your software through every step of the software life cycle—from planning and deploying to using, maintaining, and even transitioning from earlier operating systems. On This PageHow can Software Assurance help my organization?Software Assurance isn't just about acquiring software—it's about getting the most from your investment. With Software Assurance, you can: | • | Control costs. Software Assurance helps you control costs by extending payments across three years—with the option of deploying new software versions when you are ready. Plus, incident support and training help reduce support costs for a faster return on investment (ROI). | | • | Access the most current versions of Microsoft software. With Software Assurance, you can get the most current versions of Microsoft software as they are released. And because you also have access to all the latest resources, you can take control of your information technology (IT) environment quickly and easily. | | • | Get users up to speed quickly. Home Use Rights (HUR), Microsoft eLearning, and Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions (CPLS) training vouchers get your employees up to speed faster, helping improve their productivity and lower training costs. | | • | Gain support tools. Now you have access to a wide range of support tools that help simplify IT management, such as Problem Resolution, Cold Backup for Disaster Recovery, and Extended Hotfix Support. |
What are the direct benefits?The following features are available exclusively to Microsoft Software Assurance subscribers: Desktop Deployment Planning Services
Microsoft Desktop Deployment Planning Services offers 1 to 15 days of deployment planning services, based on the amount of Microsoft Software Assurance purchased on Microsoft Office system software. This service introduces the latest tools, technologies, and best practices for deployment (such as Zero Touch deployment). Customers eligible to receive on-site services have access to consultants who provide hands-on training and experience within the customer's environment. Information Work Solution Services
Open Value customers with Software Assurance can get Microsoft Information Work Solution Services (IWSS) workshops, which help you take advantage of IT infrastructure capabilities and productivity applications. Workshop options include the following: | • | One-day Information Work Value Discovery Workshop: Help business decision-makers prioritize projects that will have the greatest impact and lowest risk on their businesses. | | • | Two-day Information Work Architecture Design Session: Give your IT staff and technical decision-makers a clear understanding of the required architecture for deploying the highest-value information work projects. |
Windows Vista Enterprise
Available exclusively as a Software Assurance benefit, Windows Vista Enterprise is the client operating system optimized specifically for midsize and enterprise resource planning (ERP) organizations. Windows Vista Enterprise delivers solutions that solve the challenges larger organizations face, such as protecting sensitive data, improving application compatibility, and simplifying IT management and deployment. Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs
Ideal for organizations with legacy PCs that are unable to purchase new hardware, the Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs program provides users with access to a server-based version of Windows XP with Service Pack 2. It also provides a smooth migration path to the most current hardware and operating system. As a Software Assurance feature, Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs helps strengthen security, reduce IT costs, and improve productivity. Microsoft eLearning
With simulations, demonstrations, animations, hands-on exercises, and assessments, Microsoft eLearning offers an engaging, effective e-learning experience for employees who need to upgrade their skills. And by boosting skills, IT can reduce help-desk calls and user training—and even prepare for new deployments. How can I get Software Assurance?Your preferred Microsoft Volume Licensing program reseller or channel partner can help you acquire Software Assurance. To find a Microsoft Volume Licensing program reseller: | • | In Canada, call the Microsoft Resource Centre at (877) 568-2495. | | • | Outside the United States or Canada, contact your local Microsoft subsidiary. |
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