The Software Assurance Upgrade Program

In May 2001, Microsoft introduced version 6 of its volume licensing program, which significantly changed the way customers upgrade their software as new versions are released. Many upgrade options were eliminated in favor of a single upgrade program, called Software Assurance (SA).

SA is more than a consolidation of previous upgrade programs. It affects many factors in purchasing and maintaining software, including the following:

• Which products can be upgraded
• When upgrade licenses must be purchased
• How frequently customers upgrade
• What upgrades cost
• Payment terms
• Resources available for technical assistance, employee use of company software, and training.

This chapter helps customers answer the question: “Does it make sense for my organization to purchase product upgrades as they are needed, or should we pay an annual maintenance fee that confers the right to upgrade?”

Extending the Enterprise Approach

An upgrade gives the owner of a given software product the right to use a newer version of that product (or, in some cases, a similar product from another company). Upgrades have traditionally been less expensive than purchasing a new copy of the software, usually costing 40% to 70% of the price for a new copy.