InternetWeek Exclusive: Microsoft Cracks Down on Software LicensingWHO: Dave Joachim, senior managing editor, CMP Media's InternetWeekPRNewswire WHAT: InternetWeek has uncovered a licensing fee crackdown by
software giant Microsoft. An exclusive story in today's issue
of InternetWeek reports that Microsoft is forcing enterprise
customers whom Microsoft believes are not paying for all of
their software to perform audits and follow a strict
interpretation of license terms. InternetWeek quotes several
Microsoft customers as sources.
The customers admit that the crackdown presents both a
financial burden and a large inconvenience. The IT executives
interviewed for the story say that Microsoft's licensing
schemes are confusing and that communication with the vendor to
discuss licensing terms is often difficult. Analysts agree
that the company's licensing terms are complex and increasingly
outdated, and add that Microsoft may be cracking down on
licensees amid lackluster financials.
Microsoft denies that it has increased enforcement of its
licensing terms, although a spokesperson admits Microsoft is
"increasing customer awareness about the obligations and
benefits of keeping licenses up-to-date in a series of
advertisements and Web pages on the subject."
InternetWeek expert Dave Joachim is available to comment on the
exclusive Microsoft story and offer more insight into the
issue. In addition, the full story is available on the Web at
http://www.internetweek.com/newslead01/lead032901.htm and in
the April 2nd issue of InternetWeek.
WHEN: Monday, April 2nd
CONTACT Gail Griffen, CMP Media Erin Brown, Horn Group
516-562-5634 781-356-7141
ggriffen@cmp.com ebrown@horngroup.com
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PRNewswire -- April 2 SOURCE: CMP Media Inc. Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/181993.html or fax, |