MS lays down guidelines

Microsoft hopes to unravel the complexities of software licensing with two new guides

Microsoft has launched two new guides to help channel partners unravel the complexities of software licensing for customers.

The software giant has worked with VARs to produce the guides, A Concise Guide to Licensing and Buying Microsoft Software.

It has also launched a free online exam allowing resellers to qualify as Microsoft Licensing Sales Specialists.

Sue Hogg, UK licensing manager Microsoft, said: "We want to help partners and customers get to grips with licensing as much as possible."

Hogg said Microsoft is also working closely with organisations like the British Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses to spread its licensing message.

David Simpson, sales and marketing director at Microsoft partner Softcat, said: "The guides are written in plain English and are the clearest thing that Microsoft has produced.

"We will send them out to new customers so they can have some understanding of licensing before we sell the software. The exam carries a badge and therefore some weight."