Microsoft gives credit

SME finance package will offer reduced payment rates

The promotion will encourage short-term purchases

Microsoft has launched a credit crunch-busting SME finance package that could run for several quarters if it proves a hit with partners.

Through the Open Smarter Way promotion, resellers can offer customers a payment deferral of six months on open licence purchases. After the initial period, customers pay a reduced rate fixed to the base rate at the time of purchase.

Clare Barclay, director of partner strategy and programmes for Microsoft UK, said the promotion would run for six weeks initially to encourage short-term purchases from cash-strapped end users.

“If it is successful, we will look to see how we can evolve this,” she said.

A web tool has also been launched to simplify the application process and make it easy for partners to calculate payment terms.