Ever heard of Softcat?

[powdarrmonkey]

I just had a very odd call from them, saying that Microsoft had passed on a list of schools that take part in the Schools Agreement licensing and that they were doing a compliance check, but they guy was a little evasive about what was really going on (first question: do we take part in the schools agreement - which surely he should know!) I think it was a consultancy sales call thing, so I'm treating it with suspicion.

Ever heard of them?

Edit: I just phone Microsoft, who confirmed that they have no dealings with Softcat and if there ever were any compliance problems or audits, would contact licensees directly.

[localzuk]

They're a licensing reseller...

[powdarrmonkey]

Yep. My suspicion was well-founded. Liars

[AngryTechnician]

That's disappointing. I've bought from Softcat in the past and saved a packet on Adobe CS3 site licensing with them. Their Software Assurance pricing was not so keen, however, so it seems they may be resorting to more desperate measures. They are an MS Gold Partner, so it's a shame to see them stoop to this level.

[TheLibrarian]

I've had dealings with Softcat for three years or so, I've never had any problems.

[philtomo-25]

....Soft Cat!
The most effectual Soft Cat!
Who’s intellectual close friends get to call him C. C.
Providing it’s with dignity.

Soft Cat!
The indisputable leader of the gang.
He’s the boss, he’s a pip, he’s the championship.
He’s the most tip top, Soft Cat.......

[powdarrmonkey]

wtf?

[OutToLunch]

wtf?

Too young to remember Top Cat?

[powdarrmonkey]

Clearly!

[martinhellawell]

Hi, I'm the Managing Director of Softcat and this thread has kindly been brought to my attention. So who are we? We are a leading UK reseller of software licensing, hardware, security and IT services. We are one of Microsoft's largest partners in the UK and as the thread suggested we are a Microsoft Gold Partner in five areas. We do a lot of compliancy work for our clients and indeed last year we were the Microsoft Software Asset Management (SAM) programme partner of the year. However I must make it very clear that this is a service we do on behalf of our clients and at their request. If our account manager misrepresented this in anyway rather than promoting this service, I sincerely apologise. Softcat prides itself on professionalism and the very highest ethical standards and this has been the key to our success over recent years. Unfortunately I cannot see from your post which organisation you represent, therefore I cannot identify the account manager in question (we employ over 100 of them). If you would kindly contact me (martinhe@softcat.com) and let me know which organisation you represent I can then identify the account manager and take appropriate action. I am bemused by the comment on Microsoft having no dealings with us, we do millions of pounds of business together, have a Microsoft account team working on our account and deal with them in some shape or form pretty much every minute of every day, so it would be good to know who you spoke to there. Once again, sincere apologies if our account manager has not promoted our service in the appropriate manner. Regards, Martin

[powdarrmonkey]

To clarify: by 'no dealings', I meant no license auditing arrangement, not no reseller relationship. I didn't make that very clear, my apologies.

Martin: thanks for your attention. I'll try and remember to contact you in confidence on Monday.

[martinhellawell]

Hi Powdarrmonkey,

The last thing I want to do is hassle you on this but I haven't heard anything from you and I hate things like this being left up in the air and I'm off on holiday at the end of the week. please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience. Hopefully we will speak later. Kind regards, Martin.

Contact Details Removed