[ubuntu-za] Microsoft Schools agreement for South African Schools

[Raoul Snyman]

Hi,

I just want to say first off that I don't trust Microsoft further than I
can throw them.

On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 13:41:05 +0200, Phillip Pare <phillip.pare at up.ac.za>
wrote:
> I mentioned previously on this list my involvement with a Limpopo school 
> that is running an Ubuntu based Tuxlab. The teachers are very keen to 
> run MS software as Microsoft is promising them software at a reduced 
> cost on condition that they sign the following agreement.

> Has anybody had any experience with this kind of agreement? I am rather 
> cautious about advising the School to sign it because of Microsoft's 
> reputation in some quarters.

How long does this discount apply for? While Windows itself might have a
once-off cost, things like CALs (Client Access Licenses - needed for each
computer/user connecting to Exchange and other Microsoft server products)
often are annual payments. So does the school still get discounts on those
after the first year? Does the school realise that there are plenty of
hidden costs associated with Microsoft software? Things like anti-virus
software, firewalls and Internet connectivity to keep viruses out and keep
up-to-date against the latest flaw patches and virus database definitions.

They also mentioned no free support. From my experience, Windows computers
*always* need support. Things break, virus infections are inevitable, and
people click the wrong button all the time. This will definitely be an
ongoing cost that most people do not take into account.

Personally, my advice would be to stay well away.

-- 
Raoul Snyman, B.Tech IT (Software Engineering)
Saturn Laboratories
e: raoul.snyman at saturnlaboratories.co.za
w: http://www.saturnlaboratories.co.za/
b: http://blog.saturnlaboratories.co.za/
   http://raoulsnyman.co.za/