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At several of the CLE's I gave the past December I stated that Windows Vista will be forced on buyers of new computers in January of 2008. Seems that date was pushed back until June 30, 2008. Personally I like Vista and don't have that many problems. If you are going to purchase a Vista machine, make sure you have at least 2GB of ram.
Microsoft and the state of Louisiana announced a License Relief Program for small businesses in Louisiana affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that launched October 1st. Through this Program, qualifying Small Businesses in Louisiana can be eligible to have their entire first year Open Value payment made by Microsoft on their behalf to allow them to benefit from the use of Microsoft technology as they strive to get back on their feet without having to absorb the up-front cost to do so. As a Microsoft Partner located in Louisiana, below are some details on the program and how you can help your local qualifying clients to participate. In addition, we are hosting a Microsoft Live Meeting session for Microsoft Partners to learn more on Friday, October 26th from 10:30 am – 11:30 am CST. View details of the session and register HERE.
1) Which Microsoft Partners can participate in this?
a. ANSWER: All Microsoft Partners are eligible to offer this to qualifying Small Businesses in the 30 Federal disaster designated Louisiana Parishes
2) What Small Businesses qualify for this Licensing Relief Program?
a. Small Businesses who meet ALL of the requirements below are eligible for this program:
• For-profit business with less than 200 employees
• In business prior to August 29, 2005, the date of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall, or September 24, 2005, the date of Hurricane Rita’s landfall
• Business was located in one of the 30 Federal disaster designated Louisiana Parishes. (Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, Calcasieu, Cameron, E. Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermillion, W. Baton Rouge, W. Feliciana, and Washington)
• Have applied for the following federal or state government business assistance programs: SBA Disaster loan, State Bridge loan, and State Small Firm Loan and Grant Program? (You need not have been approved for aid.)
• Must purchase a three-year Microsoft Open Value Software License for business software and bring the purchase agreement to a Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) office and fill out the application.
• The purchase must be made between September 28th, 2007 and Sept 24th, 2008.
3) How does the process work?
• Qualifying Small Business purchases a new three-year Microsoft Open Value Agreement through any local or national reseller
• Business owner brings first year invoice and documentation of federal/state assistance application to LSBDC
• LSBDC enters agreement number and other pertinent information into Microsoft web-based application and faxes copy of invoice to Microsoft
• Business owner leaves SBDC with "receipt" for their application, printed off the Microsoft web app
• Microsoft processes the application to validate the agreement, etc.
• If approved, Microsoft issues a check for the 1st year payment and sends it to reseller with SBDC cover letter
• Microsoft informs the SBDC that the check is cut or, if it's not approved, the reasons why not
• LSBDC informs small business that the process is complete
4) What purchases qualify for this program?
a. New three-year Open Value License + Software Assurance (L+SA) purchases made between September 28th, 2007 and Sept 24th, 2008 by qualifying Small Businesses.
5) Do Software Assurance only purchases or renewals, or any other purchasing program except a new Open Value L+SA purchase qualify?
a. No, Software Assurance (SA) only, OEM, Retail Box/Full-Package Product (FPP), Academic, Charity, Open Business, Select, Enterprise Agreement, or any other licensing program would not qualify.
You can view some additional information on this program below:
Tom and I will be in Alexandria talking about Small Firm Technology for Law Firms. You can register here.
A Lunch and Learn Program
Purchasing Essential Small Firm Technology
What is the right technology to equip a new law office or
to upgrade and replace existing software and equipment?
Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Time: Program begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. A box lunch will be served after the program.
Place: LSU-Alexandria, Industry Room (Room #107) of Weldon “Bo” Nipper Technology Center.
For directions and a campus map, go to http://map.lsua.edu/.
CLE: 1 hour of Law Office Management credit
Speakers:Tom O’Connor from the Gulf Coast Legal Technology Center and
Craig Bayer from Law Office Technology.
Cost: $75 per person. Lunch is included in the fee.
