Microsoft extends payment deferral promotion

In a move that should swell reseller coffers in the run-up to Christmas, Microsoft has extended its six-month payment deferral scheme to include larger customers.

Last month the software heavyweight launched its Open Smarter Way promotion. The short-term initiative enables resellers to offer SMEs using Microsoft’s Open licensing programmes a payment deferral of six months.

The promotion has now been extended to mid-sized and large customers buying through Microsoft’s Select and Enterprise programmes. It will run until Boxing Day.

After the initial six-month period, customers pay a reduced rate fixed to the base rate at the time of purchase.

Dave Simpson, commercial director of Microsoft partner Softcat, welcomed Open Smarter Way at the time of its launch.

“This new offer is particularly relevant now, at a time when customers are looking for ways to preserve cash and credit lines,” he said. “But they know they need to invest in technology in order to remain competitive and achieve cost savings in their businesses. The promotion will be a very attractive option for those wanting to continue investing and realise returns.”