Software Assurance Changes: Starting March 2006

I’m OK now, it took me a little while to wash off that webcast. First of all, I sat through the entire SA webcast and I would not wish that infomercial on my enemies. But to save everyone from having to go through it, here is the summary of the new SA which launches in March 2006:

The official Microsoft statement:

“In March 2006, enhancements to Software Assurance benefits will offer customers 24×7 business-critical support, improved deployment and manageability, greater cost savings, and more technology protection. Software Assurance benefits are designed to help you realize the full value of your software investment throughout each stage of the software lifecycle, whenever you need it.”

What it actually means: (in my opinion)

Windows Fundamentals: Microsoft is enabling the “Managed Desktop” environment by providing Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PC’s. Basically, it is a stripped down Windows XP SP2 designed to run RDP (terminal services client), some .NET applications and not much else.
More about Windows Fundamentals >

Desktop Deployment Services: If you have enough PC’s Microsoft will send out MCC or MCP to your site to design your deployment strategy.
More about Desktop Deployment Services >

Information Worker Solution Services: In addition to training vouchers you’ll be able to send decision makers and information workers to webcasts that show them how to use MS Office, web forms, etc.
More about Information Worker Solution Services >

Enhanced Extended Support: They’ll hit you with a bat and tell you to upgrade J Just kidding. Right now if the product drops out of mainstream support (5 years from release) Microsoft will only release a security hotfix. Like Windows 2000 SP4 re-releases you’re seeing, you won’t see an SP5 because Windows 2000 is in extended support. If you need something else you’re essentially SOL. Under the new SA terms, you can sign up for an enhanced extended support and get Microsoft to release a hotfix for a non-security related bug. This appears to be Premium level so if you’re under that support contract and you’re looking at my blog post as a source of information you should be fired.
More about Enhanced Extended Support >

As always, contact your PAM and have them explain Software Assurance to you. I heard they have a great contact outside of the company to ask about PE for deployments instead of providing directions to the Microsoft Store on the campus 🙂 And if you really want to watch the webcast here is a link to it.