What is Microsoft Software Assurance?

Make sure you do not put off requesting Microsoft software because you think it will soon become outdated. There is no need to wait until you can have the very latest version. Via Software Assurance, you can receive complimentary upgrades for two years on most Microsoft software you receive from DonorTec. Most Microsoft products available through DonorTec include Software Assurance – look for the words "Includes Software Assurance" in the product name.

What is Software Assurance?

Software Assurance is a service offered by Microsoft that allows you to receive complimentary upgrades on most Microsoft software available through DonorTec. Any time within two years of your initial request from DonorTec, you can obtain updated versions directly from Microsoft.

If you are hesitating to request Microsoft donations out of fear that you'll miss the next version, you may be hurting your nonprofit's impact. Knowing that Software Assurance will cover any upgrades for the next two years, you can place your next request for Microsoft software with confidence.

Using Software Assurance to update directly through Microsoft means that you will not need to request the new version through DonorTec. When you obtain software through Software Assurance, you can save your one Microsoft donation request until later in the year. It also won't count as an additional title toward your limit of six titles per two-year period.

Some Software Assurance benefits include:

Requesting backup CDs or replace missing discs
If you need to reinstall a program but lost the CD, using Software Assurance is the only way to request a backup copy.

Upgrading client access licenses along with your servers
Under Microsoft's licensing terms, Client Access Licenses (CALs) must be for a version equal to or earlier than their server software. For instance, without Software Assurance, Windows 2003 Server CALs will be usable with Windows 2000 Server. However, if you upgrade to Windows 2008 Server, you will need Software Assurance to use the CALs.

See the links below to take advantage of your Software Assurance benefits