Microsoft has now released details of the licensing terms for its forthcoming Windows Server 2012, expected to be with us in the Autumn of this year.

We anticipate that these changes could herald an increase in pricing of around 18% for most organisations.  So, by protecting your Licence and Software Assurance rights today, you could save your organisation a significant amount of money.

WHAT'S NEW?
Windows Server 2012 is slimming down to four versions which signals the end of the Home and Small Business Server options.  The 2012 versions will be: Datacenter, Standard, Essentials and Foundation - all with similar levels of functionality but with differing support for virtualised and cloud environments. Microsoft is also switching to a per-processor pricing model, with one licence covering two processors and more options based on the number of virtual machines being run.

KEY CHANGES

• Windows Server Enterprise will be retired with the release of Windows Server 2012
• All Windows Server 2012 editions will be licensed per processor and CAL
• Windows Server 2012 Standard will increase in price by approximately 18%

ACT NOW
By licensing Windows Server 2008 R2 with Software Assurance now, you could realise significant cost savings - talk to your Phoenix Account Manager today on 0845 265 1265 or email: info@phoenixs.co.uk

 
Don't be - as Microsoft's largest EdLAR (Education Large Account Reseller) and one of the largest LARs by revenue within the public sector in the UK*, Phoenix Software are perfectly placed to provide individual guidance during the transition from Select to Select Plus.
 
To those of you who received an email recently from Microsoft, you will know that as from 1st July 2011 Select Volume Licensing will be replaced by Select Plus - a simpler and more cost effective way for you to manage your Microsoft licences with

• No minimum purchase needed
• The ability to carry your points forward to next year, and
• Offering more value from Software Assurance

Phoenix Software will be providing more information around the practicalities of Select Plus and our Account Managers will be able to provide individual guidance to our customers at the appropriate time. The time at which you will be offered a Select Plus Agreement is dependent upon the end point of your old Select Agreement and these vary greatly from customer to customer.
 
If you have any immediate questions, please contact your Phoenix Account Manager on 0845 265 1265.
 
*Phoenix also hold the Microsoft Volume Licensing Gold Competency