Microsoft discounts for SMBs
Microsoft South Africa has announced a range of discounts for small and mid-sized business software as part of what it is calling a "rescue package" to help cash-strapped SMBs through the current economic crisis.
The promotion, which runs until 30 April, includes discounts of between 5% and 20% on software packages such as Small Business Server 2008, Office Small Business 2007, SQL Server and Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista Business Upgrade.
Mark Reynolds, acting head of the SMB and partner business at Microsoft SA, says the promotion is a clear response to customers seeking more competitive strategies and offerings in the current economic climate.
"We believe that by betting on software, businesses can achieve greater productivity and cost savings, and operate smarter and more strategically, even in times of economic uncertainty. Taking a long-term approach and making the right investments and upgrades in times like these can position a company to take advantage of the next upswing by making an organisation more efficient and flexible, and by making its IT infrastructure more reliable," said Reynolds.
The offers are being supported locally by distributors Workgroup and Comztek, who have confirmed that they will be passing the discounts on to beleaguered resellers and buyers.
Workgroup CEO Doug Woolley says that the offers come at a time when SMBs have tough decisions to make when it comes to the health and wellness of their businesses, both short- and long-term.
"In the short term, many businesses are worried about simply keeping the lights on: where can they squeeze and stretch a rand?" said Woolley. "Others are already looking to the future: Do they wait until the economy gets better before investing in their businesses? Or do they invest now and try to better differentiate themselves while revenues are down?"
Comztek CEO Paul Conradie says smaller businesses are working twice as hard to stay where they are in the current economic climate.
"One of the key focus areas of business software across the board is maximising the time spent on work that directly improves the bottom line. Familiar, easy-to-use business productivity software is a key component here as companies increase productivity and streamline processes," said Conradie.
Reynolds says that traditionally, IT pros in the middle market live a very reactive life. "The best way for any business to get proactive with their IT investments is to have a discussion with those local trusted advisors who really know their business. That’s the conversation that really matters."
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