"New" Microsoft deal with Dept of Education

[kaphc]

I came across this article on the Dept of Education's website: New deal with Microsoft.

It's all very vague and doesn't mention what the licensing model is that they're talking about!

I clicked through and also found this article: Microsoft Procurement information

Does anyone know what the actual "significant pricing discounts and savings, together with enhanced licensing terms" are that they are referring to? Some of my schools are on EES agreements but others are not and I'd like to be up-to-date on the information to see if we can get the best deals possible.

[andydis]

i saw this too and would be excited it it means a better deal than EES

[JJonas]

There is a FAQ

http://media.education.gov.uk/assets...t%20final_.pdf

[AngryTechnician]

This 'new' deal is actually them finally renewing one that had been in place for years and that the DfE was late renewing:

The new agreement builds on an existing arrangement that has operated with Microsoft since 2004.

No mention of the fact that they had left everyone using the old deal in the lurch since September last year, of course. From what I hear EES was a better deal for the majority of schools on the old agreement, and I suspect the same will be true of the new one.

[KeithMPhoenix]

A lot of it is to do with the negotiation to retain the additional discounts that were applied within the last MOU - this has been retained and there are a number of subtle changes that may be of interest. The agreements are still very much as they were in that there is EES, SESP, Select Plus, OVS-ESS, and School so there is nothing radically new, but some of features of EES have been modified to encourage 3 year rather than 1 year deals.
Again would strongly advise you go and speak to your AER or you EdLAR or indeed the MS BM's to see the impact on yourselves.

[GrumbleDook]

No doubt some EG members will be chatting to MS at BETT, and this will come up. It would be good to see feedback on discussions.

[kaphc]

We currently renew EES's on a 1-year basis, so I'd be interested to see if we could tie into a 3-year deal and reduce year-on-year costs. My next renewal isn't due till July though, so I've a while to sort that out!