As many readers will know, Microsoft announced at the beginning of May that it was increasing the cost of its software licensing for the business market by 29 per cent with effect from 1 July this year. Microsoft’s stated reason for the price rise was to bring the UK licensing costs in line with its standard rates in the Eurozone.
Microsoft said that the price rise does not affect customers covered by its Academic licensing, the criteria for which covers most housing associations. However, Microsoft told Housing Technology that, “Microsoft is currently reviewing this [Academic licensing for housing associations] eligibility and it may possibly change in the future”, and advises housing providers to carry on buying Microsoft licences through their normal Academic licensing channels until any official statement is released.
We plan to have more detailed information in the next issue of Housing Technology on how the price changes will affect housing providers’ Microsoft licensing terms and costs.
