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Microsoft teams up with CompUSA to deliver Windows Vista Business

SB Informer
Tuesday, November 14, 2006; 02:44 AM

Small-business owners who visit participating CompUSA stores nationwide will be able to purchase Windows Vista™ Business and Microsoft® Office Small Business 2007 — products specifically designed for small businesses — through Microsoft Corp.’s Small Business Value Program. The program includes volume licensing offers tailored to provide a simple, flexible and cost-effective way for small businesses to purchase and manage Microsoft technology across multiple PCs. Available in select CompUSA stores upon business availability on Nov. 30, 2006, Microsoft plans to extend this program to additional retailers throughout 2007.

As part of the Microsoft Small Business Value Program, Microsoft and CompUSA are providing convenient, affordable ways that small-business customers can take advantage of significant licensing benefits on Microsoft technology. As a result, customers can acquire the new Microsoft Windows Vista Business operating system and Microsoft Office Small Business 2007 before the general availability of these products in early 2007 through either Microsoft Open Value or Microsoft Open Business licensing options. This allows small businesses who purchase five or more licenses to begin using the two innovative new solutions to help achieve gains in productivity, mobility and security at an affordable price.

“With all the pressures they already face on a daily basis, we know how much a small-business owner appreciates being able to get fast, knowledgeable advice on choosing products that can make their work easier as well as save them money,” said Bill Maddox, executive vice president of business and technical services at CompUSA. “Together with Microsoft, we’re enabling our customers to satisfy their technology and licensing needs in one simple visit to a nearby CompUSA store.”

Upon business availability targeted for Microsoft volume license customers in November, small businesses will be able to acquire Microsoft technology through either Open Business or Open Value at select CompUSA locations. Customers will initially receive a Microsoft Small Business Value Program Kit and a proof of purchase. A CompUSA sales associate will then work with the customer to explain how the software can be downloaded with activation of the license.

“We know that more than 50 percent of small businesses shop for software at retail stores. Our expanded relationship with CompUSA enables those businesses looking to purchase five or more licenses to more easily take advantage of our Open Business and Open Value offerings. These offerings also enable small businesses to purchase Windows Vista Business and Office Small Business 2007 on Nov. 30, ahead of the general availability in late January,” said Cindy Bates, general manager of the U.S. Small Business Group at Microsoft. “We think this new offering with CompUSA provides a simplified and affordable process for small businesses to purchase technology. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to make the right solutions available to our small-business customers across their full range of requirements.”

Part of the Small Business Value Program, Open Business and Open Value are simple and flexible software license offerings designed to save money for small businesses that can be easily managed online and require as few as five licenses. Open Value, the most comprehensive, cost-effective way for small businesses to purchase Microsoft software by spreading payments annually, comes with the added benefits of Microsoft Software Assurance, which includes technical and end-user training along with new version upgrades. Open Business licensing enables small organizations to gain significant savings from the estimated retail prices of full packaged Microsoft products, with the option of adding Software Assurance.

Small businesses can learn more about Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Office Small Business 2007 and Microsoft’s Volume Licensing offers at select CompUSA stores in the United States or by visiting www.upgradeyourdesktop.com. Customers can also find a rich array of helpful educational resources and a link to Microsoft Small Business Specialist partners in their area at the Microsoft Small Business Center at www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness.

About CompUSA
CompUSA, Inc., a Dallas-based company, is one of the nation’s leading retailers and business resellers of technology products and services. CompUSA currently operates more than 225 locations in more than 90 major metropolitan markets across the United States and Puerto Rico. In addition, CompUSA’s Web site, www.compusa.com, offers an assortment of more than 80,000 items.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.