Software: How do I buy?
Get the software you need at the best price
What is a software licence?
When you buy Microsoft software, you actually buy the right to use that software - otherwise known as buying a software licence. When you buy boxed Microsoft software from a shop, you get a copy of the software (on CD or DVD) and the licence giving you the right to use that software. You need a licence for each software package on each PC; for small businesses there are three main ways of getting the licences you need
With the hardware. You've probably used this method already if you've ever bought a new PC. New computers typically come with common software - like Windows XP - already installed and ready for you to use
The cost of this software is included in the price of the computer, usually at a substantial discount, so if you're buying new hardware then it often makes sense to choose your software at the same time. However, the licence for software bought in this way is tied the computer it comes with - so if you buy a new PC you have to buy new software as well
Off the shelf. Getting the software you need can be as simple as walking into a shop and choosing the package you're after. Boxed software comes shrink-wrapped and is not tied to a particular computer, so when you change PCs you can take your software with you. But most boxed software only comes with one licence, so it can only be used on one computer at any one time
" If you need multiple licences, it's best to speak to someone who can tailor a package to your particular company's needs." |
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Through a volume licence programme. If you need to buy multiple licences for a single product (for example, you need copies of Office 2003 for ten computers), a volume licence agreement may offer significant advantages to your business
A volume licence separates the licences from the media, meaning you can install software on all your computers from a single CD. Discounts are also available; the more you buy, the greater the discount
Summit IT can help with Software Licensing - contact us if you need help