Computacenter urges clients to act on Microsoft price shift

VAR joins the band of partners advising customers to get up to speed on upcoming changes to volume pricing

Computacenter has become the latest top Microsoft partner to tell its customers to get ready as soon as they can for upcoming changes to the vendor's volume licensing pricing.

A media statement issued by the reseller today claims that, "due to sustained currency differences in the EU/EFTA (European Free Trade Association) region", Microsoft is changing its pricing policy for volume customers. Software costs for UK end users will now be contingent on the exchange rate with the euro.

"This change is reflective of a Microsoft Corporate pricing policy change designed to normalise the current differences in European pricing," adds the Computacenter statement.

The changes take effect on 1 July, although firms with Enterprise Agreements in place will see no changes until the end of their contract. Those with a Microsoft Select Plus contract will be affected immediately.

The VAR's statement concludes: "Although not live until 1 July, we would like to provide you the opportunity to address these changes early. Your account team will be in contact with you over the coming days to assist you with any queries that may arise. We look forward to working with you and supporting you through these anticipated changes."

Last week another large account reseller, Softcat, issued an open letter advising clients that unless exchange rates change dramatically, the pricing shift is likely to result in a "significant rise" in cost.