On 31 July 2002 Microsoft changed the licensing of its products. After this date, updates are no longer available for existing licences on Select Version 5, Update Advantage (UA) and Software Assurance (SA). This means upgrading to a new version of a Microsoft Operating System (Windows), or Microsoft Application Software, will cost you money.

The code you use to install the software is the licence and should only be used once. If this Microsoft program is loaded on to more than one computer in your organisation you have contravened the licence and Microsoft s copyright. Many businesses don t understand this.

If you abuse the licensing regulations you can be fined, there may be legal costs, and your reputation could be damaged. Company executives can also be held individually liable, and sued, for any copyright infringement that happens within an organisation.

Linux on the other hand has been developed under the GNU General Public Licence. Linux is free - anyone can access the software code. Companies and developers may charge fees for services like installation and individual configuration, but the actual licence is free. Linux can be used for a wide variety of purposes including networking, software development and as an end-user platform.

What it actually comes down to is the following: You pay about half of what you pay now for Microsoft Licenses, and you get:

• The same functionality.
• A Virusfree computing experience.
• Full maintenance by an expert within the same release for free.

Calculate your savings

The deployment of OpenSource Software means:

Can you, as a small business, afford not to use it?

SOPAC(WA) is a member of SLPWA, the Society of Linux Professionals of Western Australia