Eric Ligman covered the news of the new incentives program Microsoft is offering to the small business. Starting October 17, 2005, qualified purchases (anotherwords, Office, SBS & SBS CAL’s) will entitle the small business to a given amount of $$ towards IT consulting fees. To dumb it down even further, it is possible to purchase SBS and have Microsoft compensate the IT consultant for the installation so you don’t have to.
The Microsoft Office 2003 and Windows Small Business Server 2003 IT Services Promotion is a way for businesses that purchase a minimum of five qualifying* Microsoft Office 2003 licenses or one Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 license, together or as stand-alone products, to receive subsidies from Microsoft to use toward information technology (IT) consultant services such as software installation, training and more.
Subsidies for small-business customers are as follows:
• Companies that purchase a Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 license through Open Value may be eligible to receive $100 (U.S.) in IT services subsidy dollars per license.
• Businesses that purchase at least five qualifying* Microsoft Office 2003 licenses through Open Value may be eligible to receive up to $100 (U.S.) in IT services subsidy dollars per license.
• Businesses that purchase a minimum of both five qualifying* Microsoft Office 2003 licenses and one Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 license through Open Value may be eligible to receive up to $125 (U.S.) in IT services subsidy dollars per license.
Correction: Qualifying purchases include regular Office, SBS & SBS CAL’s as well as the same with Software Assurance. I incorrectly stated this incentive only promoted Software Assurance sales.
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