Hello all, If you're not clear on what Microsoft's new Software Assurance licensing scheme (more info below) holds in store for your business - or you just want to find out what alternatives are available - we encourage you to take advantage of our new free service, the weekly Effusion Group "Open Source Cafe". We would be happy to meet with you to discuss how your company can benefit from integrating open source software into your business processes as well as how you can reduce your dependence on Microsoft software.
Also, we invite you to try our complimentary "OpenCD" which makes it painless for you to try 3 different world-class open source software applications on any Windows computer. We will send a copy to any NZ business upon request while supplies hold out. For more information on the Open Source Cafe or to request an OpenCD, please visit http://www.effusiongroup.com. You can also contact us at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 0508 454 689 (0508 4 LINUX). -- To what degree have people on this list sorted out their Microsoft Software Assurance registrations? Are you up to date with the latest Microsoft software upgrade? The 31 July deadline is fast approaching. For those who aren't aware of its implications, Microsoft have decided that your customer loyalty is no longer worth an "upgrade discount" for new releases of Microsoft software as was the case in the past - now you have to pay for the privilege in advance. Your business now has to subscribe to Microsoft's Software Assurance plan (the details are available here: http://www.clendons.co.nz/ - follow the Software Assurance links) so that you can "upgrade" to any new software released by Microsoft during the term of that subscription. Microsoft, however, make no guarantee that they will release new software during the term. You don't get your money back if they don't. Sound good? Have a look at http://www.computerworld.co.nz/webhome.nsf/UNID/64F3FF924ACF37DECC256BF60076BBFE?OpenDocument (note, the URL is one line) to see what some of your fellow business people think. Kind regards, Dave Lane (on behalf of the Effusion Group) The Effusion Group: Damien Bateman (Egressive) Josh Campbell (ZYPE) Brian Chatterton (iOpen Technologies) Andrew Groom (Aphid) David Lane (Egressive) Richard Waid (iOpen Technologies) -- ** David Lane - Egressive Limited * [EMAIL PROTECTED] * 03 963 3733 ** ** PO Box 24162, Christchurch, NZ * www.egressive.com ** 025 229 8147 ** ** Open Source: software for the discerning palate **** www.openz.org ** --> via Canterbury Software email forum: Success through Connections Email your messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Searchable list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] Leave or rejoin the list: http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/forum.htm
