Longhorn downsizing may threaten licensing

**MIG-31** · Jan 2, 2005, 01:19 PM

Microsoft has cut further planned features from Longhorn as it prepares two Windows server updates for 2005, a move resellers argue may hamstring its Software Assurance licensing scheme.

Microsoft might struggle to find the right balance between making--and delivering on--promises made to customers during their Software Assurance contract periods, sources suggested.

Microsoft had previously acknowledged the long-promised WinFS next-generation file system would have to be cut from the Longhorn upgrade of Windows to guarantee delivery on time in 2006.

Microsoft executives also recently confessed that two key features, Network Access Protection and integrated Digital Rights Management Services, which were supposed to appear in its interim R2 Windows Server 2003 update, would not make it into the 2005 server update after all, US sources said.

Microsoft has traditionally deflected criticism about chronic holdups by saying it would not ship software before it is completely finished.

In an era in which Microsoft pushes annuity-based licensing and software maintenance contracts, however, the company is beginning to ship software on time but before it is ready.

Analysts said Microsoft had been largely successful in meeting promises extended to its Software Assurance customers. It shipped Office 2003, Windows Server 2003 and Exchange 2003 upgrades in the promised time frames.
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pr0digal jenius · Jan 2, 2005, 07:01 PM

didn't they give Avalon the axe and strip it from longhorn's launch package too?

Jan 2, 2005, 01:19 PM	#1
MIG-31 HardwareHeaven News Mod Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Nottingham,UK Posts: 56,843 Rep Power: 471 System Specs	Longhorn downsizing may threaten licensing Microsoft has cut further planned features from Longhorn as it prepares two Windows server updates for 2005, a move resellers argue may hamstring its Software Assurance licensing scheme. Microsoft might struggle to find the right balance between making--and delivering on--promises made to customers during their Software Assurance contract periods, sources suggested. Microsoft had previously acknowledged the long-promised WinFS next-generation file system would have to be cut from the Longhorn upgrade of Windows to guarantee delivery on time in 2006. Microsoft executives also recently confessed that two key features, Network Access Protection and integrated Digital Rights Management Services, which were supposed to appear in its interim R2 Windows Server 2003 update, would not make it into the 2005 server update after all, US sources said. Microsoft has traditionally deflected criticism about chronic holdups by saying it would not ship software before it is completely finished. In an era in which Microsoft pushes annuity-based licensing and software maintenance contracts, however, the company is beginning to ship software on time but before it is ready. Analysts said Microsoft had been largely successful in meeting promises extended to its Software Assurance customers. It shipped Office 2003, Windows Server 2003 and Exchange 2003 upgrades in the promised time frames. _______________ Read More: itnews.com.au __________________ Please Post Your News Submissions Here

Jan 2, 2005, 07:01 PM	#2
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	didn't they give Avalon the axe and strip it from longhorn's launch package too?