Here are three prevalent ways small businesses
acquire Microsoft Office and business-class versions of Microsoft
Windows desktop software.
Given Microsoft’s clout in the software
industry, consider its three basic offerings as a proxy for how most
competing independent software vendors (ISVs) now distribute their
software programs.
Software Bundled with Desktop PCs and Notebooks:
For Many Small Businesses, the Best Microsoft Licensing Deal in Town
Major PC vendors -- such as Compaq, Dell,
Gateway, Hewlett Packard and IBM -- routinely offer Microsoft Office
and Microsoft Windows as bundled options.
Just as we saw in Chapter 1 the huge and
compelling advantages of getting various peripheral devices bundled
with the PC purchase, PC software bundling is an extremely cost-effective
way to obtain the latest versions of Microsoft Office and
business-class versions of Microsoft Windows.
How Microsoft Licensing and Bundled Software Can Be a Key
Driver of PC Hardware Selection
In addition to bundled costs substantially
lower than retail purchase prices, there are some extremely compelling
reasons to get your desired software included with the purchase of a
new PC. In fact, even if the implied bundled costs were relatively
close to retail prices, the savings in soft costs should still sway
your decision strongly in favor of bundled software.
Because this soft cost savings is so significant,
it should dictate where you ultimately purchase your PC. For
example, if you’re buying your PCs from a local retail store or
obscure mail order vendor that cannot match the value of software
bundling provided by the major PC vendors, you’re probably paying
too much for computer support. Even if the initial PC purchase price
differential was significant, say $100 or more, you’d still
lose out on the much greater soft cost considerations if you
don’t leverage bundled software.
Lots of Soft Cost Savings Too
So what are the advantages of getting
Microsoft Office and business-class Microsoft Windows bundled with a
new PC purchase, as opposed to buying the software a la carte and
doing your own upgrades?
Because of the potential technical support
frustration, and costs of expensive computer consultants, any one of
these benefits should make the decision a no-brainer. Many times
these four benefits can very persuasively tip the scales in favor of
replacing an aging desktop PC or notebook with a new system.
No Compatibility Risk
The PC vendor already has tested all the
pieces, so you know the combination of PC hardware, peripherals,
application software and operating system software all will work
together correctly right out of the box.
You won’t need to consult compatibility
charts or surf all over the Web to find, download and install device
drivers and update patches.
Newer Hardware with a Product Warranty
Rather than upgrading a component or two
piecemeal, such as adding more RAM or replacing your hard drive, a
new PC purchase brings all critical hardware components up to
date and provides an accompanying new purchase warranty. If
your computers are more than two or three years old, or out of
warranty, replacing computers is generally a much more
cost-effective solution.
Timesaving with Microsoft Licensing
By the time you get done upgrading hardware
components and sitting through an operating system and software
application upgrade, you easily will have spent a half-day or
more on the project.
Regardless of whether you’re factoring in
your internal guru’s workload or a computer consultant invoice,
the major PC vendors can absorb this labor into their pricing
structure much more efficiently. Major PC vendors have
automated these processes so your potential half-day of work takes
no more than a few minutes on their factory assembly line.
Recourse
If something goes wrong, actually more likely when
something goes wrong, your PC vendor shouldn’t have many
outs for finger-pointing when everything in your PC came from
them. You’ll be able to contact your PC vendor’s technical
support department, either by phone or through online avenues, for
assistance.
Tip:
Even when Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows are
preloaded on your desktop or notebook PC, be sure your PC
vendor supplies installation media and unlocking keys. These
two items can be crucial lifesavers if you need to
troubleshoot or reinstall misbehaving software programs.
Microsoft Licensing Action Items
How does your company buy or license
software applications, such as Microsoft Office: through retail
purchases, bundling with a new PC purchase or a site license?
How does your company purchase or license
operating systems such as Microsoft Windows?
Are you aware of some of the more
compelling reasons to avoid consumer versions of Microsoft Windows
and insist on the business versions of the Microsoft Windows operating
system?
Does your current preferred PC vendor
bundle Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows software with new PCs?
Do you have the option, at the time of
purchase, to upgrade to the current business version of Microsoft
Windows?
Have you ever tried to install Microsoft
Office or Microsoft Windows software and run into major, unexpected
compatibility problems as a result of interactions with PC hardware
components, peripherals, and other applications and utility
software?
Are you considering upgrading two or more
hardware components to extend the life of a PC, as opposed to
purchasing a new PC with an updated version of Microsoft Office and
business version of Microsoft Windows?
In the event you opt to purchase Microsoft
Office and a business version of Microsoft Windows on your own, a la
carte, how do you plan to tackle technical support and compatibility
problems? Are you confident that you have the expertise to handle
all the integration work and compatibility testing?
With bundled software, does your PC vendor
supply you with the related installation media and unlock keys?
(Hint: This is crucial for troubleshooting and reinstalling if
needed.)
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