Microsoft adds to Software Assurance

Microsoft reached out last week to soothe users irritated by its controversial Software Assurance purchasing plan by offering a number of free technical support, training, and software installation tools.

“This is an effort to reconnect with our customers to give them something back to strengthen the relationship. There was a lot of stress in that relationship and this move, which we hope is the first of many, is a way to let them know we have taken their feedback to heart,” said Rebecca LaBrunerie, Microsoft’s product marketing manager for worldwide licensing and pricing in Redmond, Wash.

The technical support programs that will now be made available include a self-paced e-learning training course and free tools to help users better deploy Microsoft software. The Corporate Error Reporting tool will allow users to send bug reports to IT managers, and Win PE is a mini RAM-imaging tool that helps IT managers roll out software for numerous desktop systems. The company also will offer a TechNet tool that searches for relevant technical information.

“I like what they added here in terms of technical services and other programs that make it easier to do large rollouts. But we had to kick and scream about it for almost two years before they started to offer more value for the dollar,” said Jake Reiser, a Network administrator at a large midwestern insurance company.

Microsoft will not officially roll out the enhanced program until September.